18 years at an exciting Airport Store – Susan’s Story

I’m Susan and I have been with Boots for 18 years! When first I joined Boots all those years ago, I never knew I was joining my forever job. Honestly, it was the attractive pay rate that caught my attention to join Boots as a Customer Advisor, working nights. Now all these years later I am so glad that I joined a company that puts care at the heart of everything they do.

Customer Advisor to Assistant Manager

After a few years on nights I moved to work on the day team. Always keen to learn, it wasn’t long before I was completing the Assistant Manager step up training. I never thought I would have the confidence to do this role, but my managers helped me overcome any obstacles and supported me to be the best I could be.

Working in the airport is hard to explain, it just ‘hooks’ you as it is fast paced and has a buzz and an energy you just don’t get anywhere else. You see thousands of people every day from all corners of the world and you do your best to leave a lasting impression of the great care received in Boots.

Caring for our Customers

Our customers are at the heart of our roles. Our passion to provide the best care for all our customers fuels our actions and decision making every day. Unlike the high street, our customers have a flight to catch, so it takes a special team to provide that great service in such a short space of time.

As an Assistant Manager, I have the responsibility for having a safe, compliant store that also looks amazing. We plan, manage, motivate, support and develop our team so that they are at their best for our most important people.

Store Leadership Skills

Some key skills that are important in the role of an Assistant Manager are:
– Good communication and coaching skills
– Being able to spot talent and develop talent
– Leadership skills and being able to build relationships
– Working at pace and being able to plan and prioritise

You never stop learning. The wealth of knowledge I have obtained over my years with Boots is amazing. Boots and my team have given me the strong foundations that have allowed me to be a leader that the business needs. There are always new opportunities to develop and my manager has always supported me in doing so.

For anyone looking to step up to the Assistant Manager role I would give this advice – work hard, show your passion to learn, ask questions, let your line manager know you are interested in stepping up and they can work with you to help develop your skills and knowledge. Listen and act on feedback. You never know, it might just be your forever job too!

Watch your career take off at Boots! Read more about our Airport opportunities here.