Name: Isabel Simkin
University attended: Warwick University
Degree obtained: BA History and Sociology
Age: 25 years

Department Manager Graduate profile

What drew me to John Lewis? I did a four-week placement while at university, and was really impressed with how friendly, supportive and positive everyone was. The ‘Partner’ ethos really does run throughout the organisation. After that I never had any doubts about who I wanted to join.

Experience

After six months I’d had floor management experience in Peter Jones and a secondment to our head offices to spend some time working in the Buying function to give me a wider understanding of how the business operates. The responsibility increased with a move to John Lewis Reading, with various Section Manager positions in a number of departments.

Opportunities

In February 2004 I took on an Acting Department Manager position with responsibility for the success of the Haberdashery and Hosiery department at Reading. This was my first opportunity to manage and lead my own department, which was I challenge I really enjoyed. As a Department Manager I am responsible for everything that happens in a department to the senior management team of the branch. It is almost like running a shop within a shop. Last year I took on the management of the Floor Coverings Department at Reading, and this year Furnishing fabrics has been added to my responsibility. My goals are to ensure we maximise sales and profits and that my Partners are happy and successful in their work. I get involved in a huge variety of different things – no two days are the same.

Job support

As a graduate trainee, I learnt from being given responsibility and being supported by others in learning how to fulfil that responsibility. The great thing about the experience was that the on-the-job training is supported by locally and centrally organised courses that concentrated on specific subjects. Sometimes the workload seemed a bit intimidating, but you are surprised at how quickly your skills and knowledge develop. Having regular opportunities to spend time with senior colleagues on a one-to-one basis made a real difference, as I got support with my own specific development needs.