Store management: Philip Adams

Name: Philip Adams

Job: Duty manager

Employer: William Hill

Area of work: Store management

Qualifications: BA history, University of Reading

When I was looking for a job after graduation, one of my friends recommended the fast-track management scheme with my current employer. After two interviews and a numeracy test, I was offered a place. Initially you take on the role of cashier and gradually you are shown the aspects of running a shop and sent on training courses, ranging from how to settle bets to marketing the business.

My job

As deputy manager, my duties include getting the shop open, making sure bets are settled correctly and doing the figures at the end of the day. Additionally I help with the visual merchandising – for example, arranging window displays to show that we have the best odds if there is a big match on. Part of the role of a manager is to build the business so it’s important to attract and retain punters. This means promoting certain types of bets and marketing major sporting events.

I’m also responsible for two members of staff and I arrange training for them, to help them progress in their careers.

On a typical day I open the shop, take bets from punters, change any displays if necessary, settle bets and cash up when we close. Opening hours vary depending on the season – in the summer we are open from 10.15 am until 9.30 pm, which changes to 10.00 am until 6.30 pm in the winter months.

Best and worst

The best bit about my job is the interaction with the punters, building up a rapport with them so they keep coming back. The hours can be long, particularly in the summer and when the figures don’t add up. However, I only work four full days a week so get three days off.