Format Development & Store Planning Manager Review

I am accountable for managing the Format Development and Store Planning Team within Poundland. Myself and my team look after the whole design process for all Poundland Stores, both existing and new stores. Dealing with key stakeholders, reviewing plans and ensuring the designs are offering the best customer experience. Additionally, designing stores which need refitting and continuous improvements.

Since joining my apprenticeship it has been very turbulent trying to balance the learning with my day-to-day work-life balance. But so far I have completed one module, and it has added great value for me in my day-to-day dealings. Especially with it deepening my understanding of stakeholder analysis and the way in which I should interact/communicate to certain stakeholders.

Thus far, I have not been given the time by my employer to do the learning in working hours as agreed when first starting the apprenticeship, so I have found it increasingly difficult. However, when I do the work in my own time, I am very happy with the learning as it really engages me. I want to continually improve myself and be able to push on to better things within my career.

Arden from a University point of view seem to be relatively organised with lots of resources and support available to learners. However, I cannot say the same for my employer, as my previous line manager was not supportive in allowing me time to do the work in my working week. I have now moved line managers though and I am optimistic I will get the support I need to complete the degree.

As mentioned above, at the start of the apprenticeship it was very difficult because my previous line manager would not appreciate that I was needing to be allocated one day a week for the work. However, I have just changed departments, with this change comes a new line manager who has put structure in place to allow me to complete the degree properly. I am having to currently take a learning break though, as this change in line manager was only recent and I had unfortunately fallen behind on work.

Arden is well set up with good resources, good support mechanisms. Sometimes, it can feel a bit disjointed, and the lack of immediate conversations with lectures which you would get in person can be a bit frustrating as it can be easy to miss an email. However, for the most part it seems to be a really good set up.

I am very early into the degree - however every time I look at a module, I have found that it enhances my thinking and widens my perspective. Which I think will only aid me to become a better leader and propel me forwards in my career as well as developing my team along the way.

There are lots of charity activities of which we can get involved in such as dragon boat racing, sky dives or football events. Additionally, with the university degree I get CMI access which enables me to get in touch with mentors, leaders in all sorts of industries and much more.

Yes

I have been here for 3 years and have had a really successful and progressive career so far. Although this is mainly up to me and my work ethic, Poundland promotes internal growth and is continually looking to improve its colleagues whether that be personally or professionally. It is a fantastic family environment and you are free to be yourself which I think is very important in any employer.

Just be yourself, we are an easy going employer who does not take itself too seriously. We know what customers love about us, and we know what we need to do to improve. We are all on this mission together and it is a fantastic journey to be on. Do not overthink it and come get involved.