From pushing trollies to pushing operational performance.
My career started at a local supermarket, pushing trollies. From there I joined First Central taking up a role in the contact centre. In a short time, I was able to progress into a senior position within the department and then onwards as a team leader within the claims function where I gained vital skills and experience that I use in my current role as a performance analyst.
Working with data to help drive continuous improvement.
I work with several different business areas to support them with valuable analysis into their operational performance. This analysis varies from generating regular reports targeting seat and department level to completing root cause analysis pieces that look at problem areas. I use many tools, such as Excel, PowerBI, SAS and SQL, though don’t be intimidated as I was quite inexperienced in most of these before I started.
Analysing and supporting improvement through large data sets.
I love that I’m given the freedom to proactively approach any potential issues and am empowered to create a solution. Working with several different business areas, I can reach out and speak to many different people within the organisation, which helps me to understand the problems they may face. This gives me the motivation to stay on top of my game, researching new ways to review data sets, as well as fresh approaches for resolving issues.
Keep pushing for improvement. It’ll pay off!
Ever since I started as a handler, I’ve constantly pushed for positive change, working with different business areas throughout my tenure and learning from each experience. When I think back to my application to become a Performance Analyst, I was lucky I could pull experiences from my time as a handler and team leader. However, they weren't all huge changes to processes or massive improvements to performance. Nothing is too small; as long as you’re tenacious, inquisitive and excited by continuous improvement, you're already halfway there!
Helping to raise £4k for the Chestnut Tree House Hospice.
Shortly before moving to my current role, I was able to organise a charity ‘Deal or No Deal’ themed raffle. Colleagues were able to buy tickets for mystery boxes that had hidden prizes. This raffle was a massive step for me as having to sell tickets, secure prizes and host the raffle draw in front of over 200 people was as far outside my comfort zone as I’ve ever been! Thankfully, we were able to rely on the generosity of our local businesses, as well as our own Exec team, who donated various prizes, including vouchers, spirits and even Airpod Pros! The team raised a staggering £2k, which the business then matched as it was for our chosen charity, Chestnut Tree House. I love that I can make a difference both inside and outside the business.
