Who am I?
April
Assistant Store Manager
Started September 2019 as a sales advisor. Entered current role in March 2023.
What has been your career path to date?
I started with Big Yellow as a full-time sales advisor in September 2019 at the Sheffield Bramall Lane branch. I applied for this because I love customer facing roles and found through some research that Big Yellow are one of the top UK companies to work for!
This was very apparent even within my first few months of working here, especially when others around me had been there 10+ years and had nothing but good things to say.
I spent a couple of years just enjoying the role, improving my skills, and learning how to be an efficient team member, before being recommended for the Inspire programme to further my career. My team were incredibly supportive in helping me to succeed.
In 2022 I was accepted for this course and then applied for an Assistant Manager position at Sheffield West Bar. I was accepted!
I spent the rest of the year easing into my new position alongside doing the Inspire programme, so I had plenty of fun training sessions to build my confidence and skills.
Now in 2023, I am feeling a lot more settled into my position here at West Bar and I am putting myself forward for the next course which will prepare me for any future manager roles I may wish to apply for.
There are so many projects and training courses to get involved in, plenty of support across the company, and so much new information to help our branch succeed, so I’m excited to see how far I progress.
I intend to continue my career at Big Yellow for a long time.
How have you been supported in progressing your career?
I have been supported personally by people from various branches and positions all over the UK. It was an extremely pleasant surprise to discover how close everyone is across such a large company and how much others have wanted me to succeed.
Individuals from sales advisors all the way up to the directors have been very supportive and willing to assist with learning, celebrating achievements and presenting opportunities for progression. I have a lot more confidence in myself and my abilities now than when I first started as a sales advisor.
There are plenty of online and classroom-based courses for improving skills & efficiency as well as preparing you for future roles. We have regular meetings providing opportunities for discussion and assistance where needed.
Even upper managers and directors ensure they’re involved with each branch and catch up with individual team members. Having regular contact and support company-wide has made career progression less daunting and much more achievable.
What’s most important to you in your career and why?
To put it simply, I want to work in a positive customer service environment, and I want to be valued. This is all I really need to be happy and fulfilled as I am a people person and find satisfaction from helping others and knowing I did a good job.
I feel I am already at this point in my career, so I am now expanding upon this, proving my value, and contributing to the company on a wider scale.
It’s important to me that I get to think outside the box and be creative. I will continue to contribute to projects, share ideas and take on additional tasks to keep each day interesting!
Tell us what benefits you value the most and why?
I am grateful for quarterly bonuses as these are based on various aspects of performance and provide plenty of ways to earn. They are achievable and encourage us to work well with our teams to succeed.
It seems like such a trivial thing but also, just having my birthday off work is nice and I wish everyone did it! This and other staff benefits make you feel more valued as a person.
What is it that makes Big Yellow/Armadillo a great place to work?
Everyone is just a telephone call away, you get to meet interesting people all over the UK, there are so many opportunities for training and progression, and I feel SEEN. My voice is heard and achievements are shared.
Such a large company with such a small tight knit feel to it. Honestly, the best place I’ve ever worked.
How are you supported in achieving a good work/life balance?
Shift rotas are flexible so most of the time I can get time off around special occasions and events. Even when all my team members are busy, we can get cover from other branches and return the favour if they ever need help.
Upper management and HR will also help to find a solution if you need to balance work with life or need any additional support outside of your career.