Sarah D General Store Manager

I initially applied as a seasonal part-time colleague, to fit around a new baby. I loved the culture in Asda and the personality of the company, which is why I applied.  What keeps me here now is love for the job, the people, and loyalty to the business.

As with all areas of retail it varies, but it always starts off with a good long detailed walk of the shop to review the opportunities.  We'll also greet customers and colleagues along the way. Then its reviewing the previous days numberS to ascertain where we need to concentrate our efforts and focus. I ensure the store is following the ops clock and make sure I am walking the store regularly to keep us on track.

We show up every day in all we do, moving the store and the figures on. We work with pace and passion to deliver the company plan and ensure our customers get the best possible experience

I started off as a seasonal part-time checkout colleague whilst my children were young. I then stepped up to part time section leader in the very first section leader cohort. Over time I became full-time, moving from Service to GM and counters. I was then promoted to Service Manager then GM Manager, George Manager then George & GM Trading manager, Customer trading Manager and then Deputy. This was all in the same store. In 2019 I was given the opportunity to be a secondment GSM covering Mat Leave, which brought my 16 years in the same store to an end. After the secondment was over I was a Store Manager in an A2 supermarket, then a GSM shortly after in another store, moving to my current GSM position 3 years ago.

Asda as a business and the individuals who worked with me have always encouraged me to progress and learn new tasks and departments. I have been supported with mentorship, and through cohorts like women in leadership. I have had regular access to training sessions to enable me to grow and progress.

The people, both customers and colleagues interacting every day with people and making a difference is what inspires me.