Lydia’s Journey at No7: From Shop Floor to Regional Leader
Can you tell us about your career journey and how you became a No7 Regional Business Manager?
I started my career at Boots at 17 while studying at college, working as a Customer Advisor at the weekends. With a passion for beauty and skincare, Boots felt like the perfect fit. After finishing my college course, I didn’t know if the traditional university route was right for me, so I decided to take some time out of studying. A full time Boots Customer Advisor position became available in another local store and whilst working in this store, I learnt about all the areas that makes Boots the leading retailer that it is, from healthcare to the baby department and everything between. I was also given the opportunity to immerse myself into the world of No7, which I loved. I took any opportunity to support the No7 counter, and when a role opened, I applied and was thrilled to become a No7 Advisor.
As a No7 Advisor, I learnt to connect with customer needs in a fast-paced environment. I then progressed to an Assistant Manager, developing leadership skills and supporting the team and store operations. I really enjoyed this role as my first taste of management, but when a No7 Business Manager position came available in a larger store it seemed like an ideal role of combining both leadership and my passion for beauty together.
After an amazing two years in this role, the biggest turning point in my career was then becoming a No7 Regional Business Manager for recruitment. I had long aspired to be in this role, where I was able to showcase careers with No7 and Liz Earle to new talent. I’ve now stepped into a new and exciting role after two and a half years, a No7 Regional Business Manager for City and West London, leading a larger team and driving growth across multiple locations.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
As a No7 Recruitment Regional Business Manager, I visit different stores every day across London where I meet with candidates at our showcase recruitment events. Our showcases allow candidates to have an experience of what it is like to work as a No7 Advisor, No7 Business Manager, Liz Earle Advisor or a Liz Earle Counter Manager. It’s important to me that every candidate has a smooth application journey as I believe this sets them up well if they get offered the role. I meet a lot of new people every day, and majority of the time I am their first representative of the brand, so I like to ensure candidates feel as comfortable as possible during the hiring process. It’s amazing when I get to offer a candidate the role as it can be life changing for someone and when possible, I love to go back into that store to see how they are getting on.
What do you love most about working for No7?
I love working for a brand with a rich history but who are constantly at the forefront of the beauty retail market and leading the way with our science-led skincare. There is also so much support around you in any role that you work at within No7. We are a real community and celebrate everyone’s successes, alongside supporting anyone through challenging times.
What kind of training and development opportunities does No7 offer?
We have amazing training to offer for new and more experienced advisors, covering all areas of the role and products. When you start, we will enrol you on to our New to Role training programme which is 12 weeks long to allow you enough time to really absorb the information. This is a mixture of online modules and face to face local training with other advisors. Woven into all that, is our CIBTAC endorsed Skin School, something that we are so proud of at No7. This sets you up to really know the different elements within our skin and how our science-led skincare products can benefit our customers’ concerns. After being in role for six months, you also have the opportunity to become a Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisor (BMBA), who provide specialist care and advice for customers living with side effects of cancer treatments. The learning doesn’t stop there, as Regional Business Managers, we are always in store alongside our No7 trainers continuing to develop our advisors’ skills and services. If progression is what you’re after, there will be opportunities to grow into a No7 Business Manager, which comes with its own training on how to set you and your teams up for success, giving you as much exposure as possible to get you ready for the next steps in your career.
How do you and your team make a difference to customers?
Customers are at the forefront of everything that we do. Working at No7, we can have such a positive impact to someone’s day from a warm welcome, expert-led advice or simply taking the time to speak to a customer to allow them to feel seen, understood and cared for. We have a product for everyone at No7, so we do meet people from all walks of life. Working at No7, we want to build trust and relationships with our customers and create those moments that stick with a customer long after they leave the counter. Our goal is for every customer to leave with a smile.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career at No7?
Absolutely do it! If beauty, skincare and customers are your passion then you will love it! Whether you’re just starting out in the beauty retail industry or have had experience, No7 is the brand for you. If you start in role, then never stop learning; always ask questions, keep up with trends and take all the information in about our products. Create your own growth if you’re after it, take on any opportunity and always ask your Regional Business Managers for support and guidance.
If you had to sum up your experience at No7 in three words, what would they be?
Engaging – every day brings new experiences, conversations and opportunities.
Motivating – in every role I have been pushed and driven to keep achieving and progressing.
Rewarding – either finding that life changing product for a customer or reaching a brand or personal goal, everyday there is something to be proud of.
