Halfords

The questions on everyone's lips

• There’s a lot of employers out there... What made you choose us?

  Halfords is one of the best-known brands on the UK high street and is the industry leader for the market it operates in, for me this was the main hook. I wanted to be part of a forward-thinking company that really had a drive to progress and that’s certainly what Halfords is.

• Tell us a bit about your role…

  What I love about my role is that every day is different; there is always a different challenge! However, there is of course a daily structure that I adhere to. On a typical day that involves reviewing current stock levels and ensuring good availability in both stores and the DCs whilst also flagging any potential issues, liaising with our suppliers and counterparts out in the Far East, and working hand in hand with the Product Management team.

• What's the best thing about working here?

  It’s exciting, as I’ve previously mentioned - everyday is different and that’s what keeps it interesting. What’s more important is the people you work with on a daily basis and Halfords has some great people!

• What challenges have you faced and how did you deal with them?

  Within Supply there is always the opportunity for disaster; a late shipment, weather causing delivery issues, customs hold ups and anything to do with Christmas! However, I’ve always found that the best way to deal with these challenges is to face them head on with the support of the team you have around you. Their expertise and input can really make a difference.

• What's been your biggest achievement?

  I have to say it was getting through my first Christmas in charge of Kids' Bikes whilst maintaining good availability was my biggest achievement to date and I did breathe a sigh of relief on Christmas Eve! That may sound easy but when you’re selling tens of thousands of bikes more a week than you do generally, it takes months of planning and forward thinking and even the slightest slip up can cause massive issues.

• What do you think makes someone successful at Halfords?

  You need to be a well-rounded individual to do well at Halfords, the ability to lead but also be a team player. To be dedicated, focused and hard-working, with plenty of initiative and drive but also open minded to new ideas and ways of working. Honesty and integrity also play a fundamental part, and so does knowing how to have fun, Halfords is like a big family, and for me, if you don’t have that skill you’ll never be as successful.

• And, to anyone thinking about applying, what would you tell them?

  Do it, you won’t regret it, I certainly don’t!