Job Profile: Clifford

Non Food Manager

Attended school in Freetown, Sierra Leone and achieved 7 GCE O-levels and 3 A-levels: Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics. Clifford then had a successful career in Construction before applying for the Tesco Trainee Management Options Programme.

I heard about the Tesco Trainee Management Options Programme on the Tesco website. I looked at Sainsbury’s and Asda too, but the fact that Tesco is a very diverse company made me decide it was the right organisation for me. I also liked the fact they offered a six-month programme. It meant I didn’t have to commit to a longer graduate training course. Knowing that I was joining the UK’s number one retailer made the decision easier, especially in the current recession. In fact, that’s probably one of the best things about working for Tesco: the assurance that as long as I continue to perform, my job will be secure. Tesco plays a role in nearly everyone’s life in Britain, whether that’s through grocery shopping, non-food shopping or personal finances. I take pride in working for an organisation that contributes so much to society./p>

“Although the training is intense, it’s all driven by you.”

There’s no one there pushing you. There’s a lot to grasp in a short, six-month period and you have to want to learn. It’s tough but it’s not impossible! First, you have to learn what retail is all about. You have to understand people’s routines in the store. What they do and why. It’s really important to know how the team operates. The next step is to assess whether they are effective in their roles. That’s where leadership skills come in. I think these come out naturally during the training, but workshops help. You also have legal training: you have to know about trading laws, safety regulations and how to deal with things like staff disciplinary issues. When you learn new skills, they are always validated by practise. The Store Manager has to see you use your talents in store before he or she signs off that stage of your training. As you learn, your colleagues and seniors tell you how they think you’re doing.

“Having some life experience is a massive advantage.”

There’s so much to deal with. Fast-moving is a term that’s used a lot about the business – but it really is true. You might have to deal with staff not turning up because they’re ill; phone calls; people saying ‘can you do this, can you do that’. You have to manage everything and continually prioritise. Whatever happens, you’ve got to continue to deliver a service for customers. I worked in construction before which was completely different. But because of this experience, I don’t feel like I have been thrown in the deep end. I also believe that my team were a big factor in my success. I was readily accepted by them and they willingly provided me with extra support. In return, I was able to make my hours flexible to meet the department’s need. Even now in my new role, I know I can call on them. And I do.

I’ve been appointed to my first line manager position and I see myself heading for senior management in about a year’s time. Then, after that, Operations.

I would recommend the Tesco Trainee Management Options Programme to friends and tell them they will always feel welcomed and recognised as I was. I’d also say that it doesn’t matter if you took your A-levels a long time ago – you can still apply and benefit from the programme, although you might have a different experience from a school leaver.