Who am I?
Terry
Assistant Store Manager
Started November 2006 as a sales advisor. Entered current role in November 2008.
What has been your career path to date?
Before working at BY I was a weekend/training manager for WH Smith in my local town, a door-to-door electricity salesman, and worked behind a very popular cocktail bar in my local town. I started as a sales advisor in November 2006 in the Gloucester store.
After 2 years I was promoted to Assistant Manager in the Leeds store. I have also assisted in the initial integration of Armadillo into the business, and helped with the opening of Edinburgh, Sheffield (both Hillsborough and Bramall Lane). 4 years later, I transferred back to Gloucester as Assistant Store Manager, also assisting in covering stores in a manager’s absence. Whilst in Gloucester I completed MAP (now evolve).
After 2 years I transferred to the Cheltenham Store (where I am now), became a forklift instructor, assisting in the areas learning and development team, became a Dyslexia Guru and continue to support both my store and the area where I can.
What has been your greatest career achievement to date?
I was part of the team that won store of the year twice - once in Leeds and the 2nd in Cheltenham. I have also been part of the Cheltenham team that has won the Charity award 3 years in a row.
What’s most important to you in your career and why?
Work/life balance - I juggle a full-time role and 5 children (one still a small baby), while supporting my partner’s full time nursing role.
Tell us what benefits you value the most and why?
Private healthcare for myself and my whole family, flexible rota, and an additional day off for my birthday. Pleasure points scheme, share save scheme and bonus also mean I can treat my loved ones at certain times throughout the year.
What is it that makes Big Yellow/Armadillo a great place to work?
The people and the company culture - it’s a big company with a family feel.
What was your motivation to become a dyslexia guru?
When I began with BY, Dyslexia wasn’t widely recognised as an additional need in the workplace. It is important to me that other people get the support needed to fulfil their job roles to their best ability, and to use my experience to best help and guide.
How have Big Yellow helped you?
As more government support became available BY arranged and gave me the required software, tools and equipment needed to help my dyslexia work with me and not against me at work, so nothing will stand in my way.