Retail Manager Review

I am a retail manager for a busy trade counter that serves trade and DIY customers with tools, construction materials and other essentials. I manage a small team of 8 people and manage sales, compliance, stock management and colleague and customer relationships. I work approximately 40 hours a week but often do overtime.

I have learned a number of skills and discovered a passion for training and people development. I learned how to recruit effectively, to have difficult conversations and to deliver performance management in a way that grows the team and the individual. I also learned more about using Google and was able to link into different parts of the business to increase my network and improve my overall reputation.

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme. I could see the results of the training in real time which was exciting made a big difference to me, my team and my region. It broadened my experiences and passions and allowed me to take part in a number of working groups and communities with like minded people.

The programme covered all aspects of my job and helped me improve in every area and activity I have to do. I not only learned what to do but also why to do things which was my motivation from the start. The programme blended a mix of recorded webinars and live virtual session which fitted around my busy schedule.

My employer bent over backwards to accommodate my learning needs and to help me reach my full potential on the programme. At times this was challenging as we were operating during coronavirus restrictions so some areas were naturally challenging to navigate but the business and the programme was flexible enough to cope with these changes and ensure I could still achieve my learning objectives.

I cant thank my training provider enough for the support and I received during the programme. Whenever I was doing well I received praise, where ever I was under performing I received information, advice and guidance and whenever the opportunity presented itself I was stretched to go further and try to achieve more.

The qualification not only has helped me perform in my current role but has also opened me up to a number of opportunities in different areas on the business. I have been able to make a number of new connections and have taken part in various working groups and initatives.

There is a wide Diversity and Inclusion network at Toolstation and Travis Perkins which aims to bring people from different life experiences and cultural backgrounds together to learn more about each other and advocate for inclusion in the bsuiness and in the wider construction industry. I am proud to be a member.

Yes

This would really depend on the friend. Toolstation is a fantastic place to develop your skills quickly and get lots of exposure to lots of new ideas and operational challenges however due to the low staff headcount in branches it can be quite physically taxing during periods of sickness or recruitment.

Do it! Apply! Join. Toolstation is a fantastic place to work and the colleagues and customers will soon become great friends. Also Toolstation is a rapidly growing business with lots of potential and numerous opportunities for growth. The business really tries to live their core values and be a great place to work.