Store management: Rachel Bulford
Name: Rachel Bulford
Job: Store project manager
Employer: Marks & Spencer
Area of work: Store management
Qualifications: BA theology and religious studies, University of Cambridge
I chose retail management as I wanted to progress quickly and gain early responsibility. I was approached by a recruitment company who were recruiting for Marks & Spencer’s graduate scheme. After a first interview, I attended an assessment centre and was then offered a place.
My job
I am managing a major redevelopment in one of our central London stores. We are replacing walls, ceilings, flooring, equipment and getting new fridges – quite an undertaking whilst we continue to trade! My job is to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible during the redevelopment, which involves using my knowledge of Marks & Spencer to liaise with contractors. I help the store maximise its sales and I am responsible for ensuring the store’s health and safety is maintained.
Before this I was a commercial manager for store operations in one of our larger stores, which meant I was responsible for everything not directly involving the selling of stock. I covered everything from store logistics and money handling to managing the operations and administration teams.
No two days are the same; some days I organise works with the contractors, negotiating with them to ensure we have appropriate plans in place; other days I might be managing the store for the store manager, dealing with store infrastructure problems or managing staff.
I have learnt to be adaptable. Our typical day is 8.00 am to 6.00 pm but this varies depending on the day and the store. My job is store based and I split my time between the sales floor, backstage and meetings.
Best and worst
I enjoy seeing customers enthused by the way the store looks after areas are redeveloped. It’s great hearing them say how much they like it and knowing I’ve been so involved in the process that made it happen. The worst part of the job is being called at 2.00 am to sort out problems!