A good friend of mine Amy had just gone back to working for McDonald's and suggested I apply.
I completed an OJE over a 3 day period - (On Job Evaluation) which gave me the opportunity to see what the company was about and for the company to see if I was suitable.
I started in McDonald's as a Trainee manager in 2000 and remember being told if I was willing to put in the effort and hard work I would reap the reward.
In 2001 I had completed all my management development courses up to Store Manager Level and was promoted to Store Manager.
It was only with the responsibility and challenges and daily interaction of the staff and customers that I realized I had found my career.
Describe a typical day?
One of the things I like the most about my job is that very rarely are any two days exactly the same.
Any one day involves providing leadership and goals for your team. Interacting with both customers and staff. Ensuring the highest levels of customer expectations are met are the main objectives.
This could be anything from quality checks, working front line on customer service and of course cleanliness of the restaurant.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
The main function is ensuring the customer expectations are met and even exceeded.
My main tasks are to make sure that my team of managers and staff understand what is expected of them and how they can achieve what is required of them.
I am responsible for a multi million euro business and profitability is of course part of my job. I am required to manage controllable costs such as labour, maintenance and repair, utilities etc on a daily basis to achieve the budget forecasts for my store.
I have a responsibility to ensure my store is at all times legally compliant in areas such as employment law and food safety.
I am also responsible for the development and training of my managers and staff, a role I particularly enjoy as you get to see people reach potential and develop.
What are the main challenges?
The job can be a highly pressured one with a lot of set objectives to realise and sometimes things do go wrong.
I feel most challenged by the fact that I can't do everything by myself to achieve these results, I have to achieve my results through others.
I am challenged in that I am also always learning and have the opportunity to up date my skills for example I completed a situational leadership course which challenged my views on how managers react to situations and that there are different approaches available.
What's cool?
Whats cool - I enjoy the responsibility I have. I believe that even in the current climate that my job is secure.
The rewards and recognition I receive when I do well such as bonuses, trips abroad and evenings out.
It is cool to have the opportunity to further my education - I am currently completing a course through The National College of Ireland that recognises my work experience in management. Oh yes and my company car!
What's not so cool?
How some members of the public treat us and our staff.
Sometimes you have to get 'hands on' such as when a toilet may get blocked !!
Some very early mornings and some really late nights, working on weekends and Public holidays!
The perception of my job versus the reality of my job!
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
The specific skills I think I have are good communication, people person, self motivated, hard working, leadership and the ability to adapt in a challenging environment.
I believe I enjoy my job because I enjoy interaction with people, I need to be challenged, I am results orientated and I like to develop and teach others. I also enjoy variety.
