Job Title
Assistant Section Manager
Name:
Manuela Ioannou
Company:
Waitrose
Professional Qualification(s):
2 O levels
Brief job description
I am an assistant section manager for the food service department at a large Waitrose branch in South Woodford, London. I help to run this section, to maintain standards and provide first class deli, fish and meat counters.
My career so far…
I left school at 16 and joined my family’s business – a snack bar in the City. I eventually ran the snack bar for twelve years, after my father retired.
What does your job involve in a typical day?
I help to run the everyday side of the food service section, making sure that all the legally required documents are maintained and that ticketing is accurate. I check rotas are done and all the overtime needed is covered. I also attend meeting when my section manager is absent.
My job also involves making sure that all stock that has arrived that day is put away correctly. I ensure all the cleaning rotas have been completed.
I am part of a new wastage group, which is raising awareness of wastage in the branch and how it can be reduced. I also ensure that any important information recieved is actioned straight away.
What do you like most about your job?
No two days are the same. The variety of customers that we serve and the demands they place are usually a great challenge.
What skills are required in your job?
Good communication skills, flexibility to manage changes and to try and be ahead of any problems. It also helps to be a good leader and maintain good morale amongst the team.
How many people work for you?
There are thirty people in the food service section, both full and part time.
What is your advice to people looking for a career in the food and grocery industry?
It is a very interesting career. Your input is very important and there is a lot of satisfaction to be gained from working with a large team serving customers.
Look at the industry in great detail and also look into the company before your interview, to see where the company wants to go and where it will lead you.