Name: Jim McCarthy
Job title: CEO
Company: Poundland
Sales (financial year end March 2010): £510m
HQ: Willenhall, West Midlands
Number of employees: 9,000
What's it like to work for your company? It's a great place to work. We focus firmly on the customer and part of our corporate goal is to be fun and friendly with something for everyone.
Why is it a good employer? Everyone makes a contribution and the growth in the company generates good career opportunities so our colleagues feel secure. We work well in motivating colleagues to even higher performance, as their achievements are noticed, recognised and applauded.
What's the best thing about working there? The retail proposition, the people, the pace, the success and providing amazing value to more than three and a half million customers every week.
Does the company offer any unusual benefits? It's a place where everyone makes a difference. We also have a bonus scheme that has paid out every year over the past five years.
How does the company differ from its rivals? We have remained true to the founder's vision. We keep our feet on the ground, don't believe our own publicity, but have great faith in the numbers. This is the way we keep score.
Is there a definable company culture? It is a direct reflection of living our goal and values. Lipservice is not an option, everyone engages.
If the company were a car what would it be and why? The Poundland Moneybridghini would have the reliability of a Ford Mondeo, the economic qualities of a hybrid, and the pace and appeal of a Lamborghini. Plus it would be available for £1!
What's the training like and what qualifications can I earn? All our training focuses on the customer. We offer NVQ qualifications and support individuals on external courses.
Has the company won any awards? We won Management Team of the Year at The Sunday Times Buyout Track. Over the past 12 months we also achieved fourth place in the ranks of Europe's top 500 job-creating companies. We are immensely proud of our chairman, Colin Smith, who was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Honours List.
What's your proudest achievement of the past 12 months? Leading the team through the change of ownership from Advent International to Warburg Pincus in June 2010.
Are you looking for any people right now and, if so, where? We'll open more than 50 stores this year, creating about 2,000 new jobs in the process.
What tips would you offer jobseekers? Be honest and confident, don't give up, and remember to smile.
How do I find out more about the company? Visit a store! It provides an insight into the pace and energy of Poundland, as well as being the showcase for products.
Are you, or is the company, working on anything exciting right now? We have some great plans to build and grow the business.
Job title: CEO
Company: Poundland
Sales (financial year end March 2010): £510m
HQ: Willenhall, West Midlands
Number of employees: 9,000
What's it like to work for your company? It's a great place to work. We focus firmly on the customer and part of our corporate goal is to be fun and friendly with something for everyone.
Why is it a good employer? Everyone makes a contribution and the growth in the company generates good career opportunities so our colleagues feel secure. We work well in motivating colleagues to even higher performance, as their achievements are noticed, recognised and applauded.
What's the best thing about working there? The retail proposition, the people, the pace, the success and providing amazing value to more than three and a half million customers every week.
Does the company offer any unusual benefits? It's a place where everyone makes a difference. We also have a bonus scheme that has paid out every year over the past five years.
How does the company differ from its rivals? We have remained true to the founder's vision. We keep our feet on the ground, don't believe our own publicity, but have great faith in the numbers. This is the way we keep score.
Is there a definable company culture? It is a direct reflection of living our goal and values. Lipservice is not an option, everyone engages.
If the company were a car what would it be and why? The Poundland Moneybridghini would have the reliability of a Ford Mondeo, the economic qualities of a hybrid, and the pace and appeal of a Lamborghini. Plus it would be available for £1!
What's the training like and what qualifications can I earn? All our training focuses on the customer. We offer NVQ qualifications and support individuals on external courses.
Has the company won any awards? We won Management Team of the Year at The Sunday Times Buyout Track. Over the past 12 months we also achieved fourth place in the ranks of Europe's top 500 job-creating companies. We are immensely proud of our chairman, Colin Smith, who was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Honours List.
What's your proudest achievement of the past 12 months? Leading the team through the change of ownership from Advent International to Warburg Pincus in June 2010.
Are you looking for any people right now and, if so, where? We'll open more than 50 stores this year, creating about 2,000 new jobs in the process.
What tips would you offer jobseekers? Be honest and confident, don't give up, and remember to smile.
How do I find out more about the company? Visit a store! It provides an insight into the pace and energy of Poundland, as well as being the showcase for products.
Are you, or is the company, working on anything exciting right now? We have some great plans to build and grow the business.
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