Career path:
2007 - Present :
Commercial Manager
Bhs
2005 - 2007 :
Store Manager
Diesel
2001 - 2005 :
Store Manager
USC
- Name:
- Matt Brooks
- Employer:
- Bhs
- Position:
- Commercial Manager
Q: What made you choose to join your current employer?
Having always worked for smaller retailers in the early stages of my career, I felt the time was right to join a large and well-established retailer with a strong reputation on the high street. Having investigated Bhs more closely I could see the business had a clear strategy for growth, with some fantastic opportunities for managers backed by a passion for its people and a comprehensive and engaging development programme.
Q: What is the basic function/purpose of your current role?
As a commercial manager I support the store manager by driving sales and service across the store. My role is all about developing and motivating the team to deliver results in a highly commercial environment.
Q: How relevant were your qualifications to you getting the job?
Having a good general level of education has helped me to really understand the many aspects of my role and use this clear understanding to drive and improve the business going forwards.
Q: Describe some of the key tasks involved in performing your current role and the frequency with which you have to perform them.
With regards to people one of my key tasks is to coach, motivate and develop the team to maximise individuals' performance and provide succession for the business, which is an ongoing aspect of my role.
It is key in the current retail climate that I lead the store team and generate a level of excitement and will to win, by developing new and creative ways of driving sales, so that we are consistently delivering a level of customer service that is the best on the high street.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at work each day?
Look through the previous day's sales figures to see where and how we can improve and grow stronger.
Q: How big is the team in which you work?
I work in a £9m turnover store and currently the store team is 95 strong, which would increase during peak trading.
Q: Describe how your job interacts with the rest of your team.
Interaction with the rest of my team is vital to my role and communication is key, we have a daily management meeting to review yesterday's performance and to plan the day ahead. This is followed by team huddles where we go through sales figures and where everyone is given the opportunity to put forward ideas.
My position also requires me to spend a large proportion of my time on the sales floor so I can really get involved with the team and support them.
Q: How would you describe the working culture of your current employer?
I am proud to work for Bhs. It's a happy environment where your career development is encouraged and supported. There is a real feeling of a will to win with whoever you speak to within Bhs. Whatever it may be there is always someone that will aid and support and go the extra mile to get a job done.
Q: What career avenues do you hope to be able to pursue in the next: two years, five years & ten years?
In the next two years I will be looking to move into a store manager role within one of our smaller stores. Then moving gradually on following the company's development programme into a larger turnover store. Finally I would see myself in a management role within our head office developing the company strategy.
Q: What do you like most about your current role and why?
I like the variation of my current role, no day is ever the same and there is always a fresh challenge.
Q: What did you/do you find hardest about your current role?
The hardest thing was coming from smaller retailers and adapting to the fast pace of life within Bhs. It was a great challenge though, one in which I thrived.
Q: How close do you think that the general public’s view of your employer is to the reality?
I feel from speaking to our customers that they see Bhs as one of the keystones of the British high street and that we offer quality standout products whilst always maintaining service and price, which they find hard to find anywhere else. This is what we strive to achieve each and everyday.
Q: Would you recommend your employer to a friend and if so, why?
I would recommend Bhs to anyone who is looking for an employer who gets behind and supports their staff at every stage of their career.
If there's an employee you think epitomises your company ethos or you'd like to draw attention to a particular role, why not get in touch with our team right now? Just email: advertising@theappointment.co.uk.
