Reward Manager Review

My role looks at the reward strategy for the business comprising pay, benefits and recognition reviewing current frameworks in place and how fit they are for the future, ensuring good governance within all reward policies and processes and reviewing the market to see what new and exciting benefits we can bring into the business. This can range on a daily basis from developing a proposal, analysing data, helping colleagues with queries and project management to name but a few.

The apprenticeship is helping to not only deepen the understanding within my own area of expertise but also widening it into other areas of HR and the business. Whilst I am early on into my apprenticeship journey I am had the opportunity to assess myself against the professional framework for my career holding myself to account, understanding where I need to strengthen my knowledge and how this not only benefits myself but also how my skillset and HR strengthens the business. I am also currently exploring the impact of recruitment (an area outside of my expertise) and how external factors impact this.

I truly enjoy my apprenticeship and have a lot of support to be successful in my journey. Work can be challenging at time within my role with a lot of tight deadlines, however, both my employer is supportive and supports me to build in time (and protects this) in order to focus on my studies. The apprenticeship provider also has great support mechanisms with a dedicated mentor along with knowledgeable tutors for the support areas.

Very well organised! For someone who can be time poor and isnt as naturally organised as others, this apprenticeship provides a clear structure whilst remaining flexible if I cant attend a workshop at a particular time. Monthly check ins with my apprenticeship mentor means I have an opportunity to really reflect on how well I am progressing, what additional support I may need and how I am putting my learnings into my day to day role.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. It can be challenging at times to manage priorities to allow time in my diary to focus on my apprenticeship, however, my employer not only allows me to do this but also protects that time if a stakeholder is trying to book time in my diary. I have regular catch ups with my line manager purely focused on my apprenticeship looking at how I am progressing, what support I need to complete my assignments and what activities within the department could assist me to get the experience I need to compliment the topics I am learning. We also have a dedicated apprenticeship manager who has been nothing short of wonderful in providing help and assistance.

My training provider has been fabulous in supporting working towards the successful completion of my apprenticeship. For the modules there are dedicated tutors who deliver workshops to support the topics we are learning but also record them for those that cant join live, cafe coherts take place to support additional learning/questions we may have and there is an online platform that not only holds all the information you need to be successful with your assignments but breaks the learning down week by week as well to make it more manageable. I also have support of a mentor who then helps me to put my learning into practice in my day to day role along with offering additional support I need to manage the apprenticeship alongside my role.

The qualification helps to broaden thinking and prevent you from having a blinkered view. Not only has this provided me with additional knowledge of HR in general but also about the business and what impact my role has. This is extremely useful context when building proposals for the business but also helps collaboration i.e. I know which areas of the business and the department will be crucial in the successful implementation of any such proposals etc.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in at Poundland from a vast number of social activities, a charitable board (of which I am now a member), various diversity and inclusion workstreams as well as various events where a numerous colleagues come together to discuss how the business can improve. I am also actively encouraged to attend professional networking events, webinars and sector events which has helped to broaden my appreciation for the profession but also bring new ideas into the business.

Yes

Poundland really is one of those few precious gems of a company. It is a business that truly does have colleagues at the heart, invests in its colleagues and encourages colleagues to build their legacy. My own experience to one side, everyone I have spoken to including those who have left Poundland have nothing but fond memories and good things to say about the business - and I thin that says a lot!

I would really encourage people to apply and be yourself! The application process is very slick and focusing on your behaviours and what makes you you. Whilst experience is useful this business knows that we can teach the technical providing we have great people with a great mindset. Be honest - this is really valued by the business. Look at the company values - we really do live and breath them. Be prepared to work hard, play hard and be part of a fun loving team!