Store Manager Review

I run the store, I have a team of 8 including myself, so I have to deal with planning of shifts/holidays etc. I also have stock, health and safety, financial and legal responsibilities. I am trade coordinator for the region as well so spend a lot of my time supporting other stores in my region.

I have developed on lots of my skills during my course that I had gained over several years of management. I have also been able to learn a few new skills that have helped me, in people management and performance management, as well as given myself more confidence when talking and presenting to others.

I loved my programme. It was very beneficial, worked around my work schedule perfectly, and gave me freedom to progress as I liked. I was able to use various parts of my programme to help build my store and develop my team to get the results that we desired and support the region.

There was a decent structure to my programme which allowed some flexibility on my part. I was able to move things around that suited my work calendar without concern. The organisation of it and the documentation were not particularly great and this has been fed back to the business to improve for future courses.

I had lots of support from my line manager throughout the course, and I had my own tutor who was amazing throughout, gave me lots of support and encouragement every step of the way. Nothing was too big or too small for him and without him I do not think I would have done as well as I did.

I received a decent amount of support from the training provider once I got towards the end of the course to help me get ready for my assessment. There was documentation provided detailing everything that was going to happen once I reached the assessment part and that was very helpful.

I have a greater understanding of the business operations now, feel much more confident in making decisions based on data, leading and developing my team, managing various situations that can arise in this role and I have developed on my supporting role within the region with trade which helps everyone.

As a team we often go out socially for meals or nights out together to bond and chat, away from the workplace. It has helped develop our relationships that are key to being a successful team at work and has given us all a much better understanding of each other.

Yes

Toolstation is a great company to work for. They care about their employees and there are plenty of development opportunities. There is great flexibility in terms of working patterns, and the business is continuously growing in so many aspects. The teams in stores are fantastic and are a massive part of the success of the company.

Do not be afraid and jump straight in. You do not need to know exactly how everything we sell works as you learn so quickly on the job from your team members and customers. Do not be afraid of admitting you do not have the best knowledge of our products.