Space and Branch Planning Manager Review

by Matalan

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Managing a team of 18 people in maximising the best placement of stock to our Retail stores, and Ecommerce channel. We sit as part of a Central Merchandising Function so work with multiple stakeholders supporting key initiatives that all drive towards the company strategy.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

The biggest learns have been around Self Awareness and how I am perceived based on my reactions and Emotional Intelligence - The Chimp Paradox which was covered in the Self Awareness course has given me awareness to reflect rather than replying straight away - taking out that initial emotion.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I am loving it so far, there are some varied topics that Im learning new skills all the time, I am really looking forward to going into my second year, and thinking about a project for my end point assessment

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The Bud system has a wealth of resources and the coach supports you in driving workload and setting realistic deadlines on gathering evidence, its flexible in the way this is collated, I prefer presentations rather than an essay to get points summarised

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I get time set aside that I manage myself, which my line manager is really supportive of. I tend to work at home on workshop days, as well as dedicating blocked out time to make sure I have the time to spend on the apprenticeship

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I have regular coaching 1-1's that are in the diary, with me and my line manager to go through where I am against set objectives. I can also look on the bud system on further resources as well as contacting Amy if I need anything via email

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I have gained so much knowledge on the Leadership models that can provide me with some great techniques on team engagement and empowerment. I have carried out some team events where I have used some of the tools that I have learnt to capture feedback on problem solving, coach team members on driving performance, and look at process improvements in simplifying approach to task.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

I have been offered an London Business Forum membership, which gives lots of additional leadership content and networking opportunities, but there isnt anything else at Matalan.

6/10

9a. Would you recommend Matalan to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The business offers such a great Career opportunity to develop as an individual and within a team. There is a great online learning offer, that can be tapped into, and many of the teams are long standing members who have a wealth of knowledge an experience that can be drawn from.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Matalan?

Research what the company does well, then what you could bring to the organisation from a behavioural POV. Look at the job role overviews and see what you have relevant skills in, that could be transferable from different careers, we can teach you the task but not teach you how to come to work with a great attitude