Women in Retail Campaign Launches

Attend a roadshow

Want to know more about the opportunities available to our retail colleagues (male and female) and how you can climb the career ladder? We will be holding 3 career roadshows for colleagues to attend so pop the dates in your diary:

• 8 September – Oxford (venue TBC)

• 8 September – Virtual

• 12 October – (Venue TBC)

Currently, these roadshows are pilots. So if they are useful for colleagues, we will look to roll them out to other areas.

Apply for the Pilot Job Share

Do you have caring responsibilities?

Do you want more time for yourself?

Then why not get involved in a Pilot Job Share?

Later in the year, we will be trialling 2 store manager job shares for a 3-month period (1 in a supermarket and 1 in a convenience store). This is available to any colleague regardless of gender that may already be a store manager or looking for their next career move.

If you’re interested in applying or want to find out more email matt.windridge@midcounties.coop and susan.barguss@midcounties.coop

Marianne Roper, District Manager 

I joined Midcounties in 2012 as a Graduate Management Trainee having previously worked in retail while studying. While on the scheme I was lucky enough to have worked across a number of our trading groups where I also built up a great network across our Society. I then moved into Post Office as an Area Manager before moving to Food in 2020 as a District Manager, responsible for 22 stores and a team of 400 colleagues across the Midlands and Cheltenham. In my spare time I love to go on holiday, read or spend time with my family and friends.  

Cheryl Tree, Talent & Leadership Development Manager 

I’ve worked at Midcounties in various different roles since 2014 and now work in the Learning and Development team looking after leadership development and nurturing our talent, helping people to progress their careers and develop themselves here at Midcounties. I am mum to an energetic and giggly toddler. I have worked 4 days a week since returning from maternity leave last year, which I have found helpful for juggling work and ‘mummy life’.  

Becca Boyle, Store Manager at Homelands food store 

I started working for the Society 17 years ago as a CSA at our Northway store, before taking on the role of Team Leader. Then, in 2014, I decided I wanted to take my career further and became Team Manager in Montpellier food store, then Store Manager in Bishop's Cleeve food store and have since managed several food stores in Cheltenham. I have recently been appointed as Store Manager of Homelands food store, which opened in April. I hope to continue to progress my career with the Society through the coming years and have been very grateful for all the opportunities I have been given so far. 

Susan Barguss, Head of HR Food Retail 

I have worked for the Society for nearly 10 years and during that time I have had 2 periods of maternity leave when having my girls, who are now 8 and 4. I work compressed hours, which means I complete my full-time hours within 4 days so I get to spend a day with my youngest. I have worked for some great managers who have helped me progress from HR Advisor to HR Manager, and then into my current role as Head of HR - Food. I am so pleased to be part of the Women in Retail Working Group and really hope we can make a difference to the progression of women in retail. 

Rebekah Brain, Society Engagement Manager 

I have worked for the Society for 21 years. I started working in my local food store while studying at sixth form, then became a Deputy Manager until having my son Thomas in 2006. While on maternity leave, I felt it was time for a new challenge and moved into Pharmacy as Operations Support Manager before being promoted to Area Trading Manager. In 2015 I moved to the CSR team, primarily focusing on colleague engagement. In the last 3 years my role has evolved and I am now responsible for Wellbeing and Diversity and Inclusion. I am super excited to see this group evolve and the differences we can make not only for women’s progression but also a more flexible approach for our male colleagues too. 

Sam Chesters, Team Manager at Bourton on the Water petrol station 

I've have had an enjoyable 8 years with The Midcounties Co-operative, working up from CSA and Team Leader in Bath Road to seeing Montpellier through a refit as Team Manager. I then worked briefly in Charlton Kings before taking the leap over to supermarkets and working in Longlevens. I have always worked in Food Retail and have thoroughly enjoyed the learning opportunities the Society has provided, as well as helping with the community fundraising. I’m looking forward to further progression in the future. 

Martina Crespin, Store Manager at High Street food store 

I started my career as a CSA in the Long Hanborough store while studying to become a level 3 Early Years Practitioner at college, before becoming Team Leader and then Team Manager. Then, at 21, I was appointed Store Manager of the Thame supermarket, where we turned a loss-making store into a profit-making one. Thame was a massive achievement for me as I was the youngest supermarket manager. After a year at Thame, I was appointed as Store Manager of Old Town supermarket – the largest supermarket in District 10. My progress has always been supported by my line managers and I have enjoyed every step of it. I currently am working towards progressing further with the help of my District Manager, Jordon Clement.

Dave Richards, District Manager 

I’ve worked for the Society for 21 years across the Supermarket and Convenience Groups. I am fortunate enough to be part of the Women in Retail Working Group and I am keen to promote to all colleagues the opportunities that we have across Food Retail and how we can support them in attaining their career aspirations.  

Lucy Fawlk, Team Manager at Brewery Street food store (left in picture)

I started working for the Society at 16, working evenings at my local store as a CSA. My manager then offered me a permanent full-time role after finishing school. I progressed on to a Supervisor, Fresh Food Manager and Deputy Manager in a number of different stores. In 2013 I had my first child, Charlie (now 8) and returned part time to Botley supermarket. I asked for a Team Leader role while I focused on being a new mother. I then had my daughter Lexi in 2016. After a couple of years, I was approached about a Team Manager job share opportunity in Brewery Street alongside Nikki, which I gratefully accepted and have been there now for 2 and a half years.  

Nikki Stapleton, Team Manager at Brewery Street food store (right in picture)

I have worked for the Society for 23 years. I started as a CSA and worked Sundays on the deli in Carterton before progressing into the role of Fresh Food Supervisor, then to Customer Service Manager. Carterton was my base store, but I worked in many stores across the Society before having my son Oliver 9 years ago. When I returned after maternity leave, I came back part time into my Customer Service Manager role, before settling in Brewery Street as a Team Manager. 

Matt Windridge, Head of Operations for Food Markets, Supermarkets and Post Offices 

I’ve worked for Society for 27 years, starting as a CSA doing 6 hours a week on checkouts. I’ve done most food store roles, from frozen and meat cutting to my current role as Head of Operations for Food Markets, Supermarkets and Post Offices. I’m very lucky that I work with some brilliant teams and enjoy being in our stores meeting our colleagues and members. Outside work, I have 2 daughters and a very active beagle called Bud who I spend a lot of time running around after. I joined the Women in Retail Working Group as I’m extremely keen on developing my team to be the best they can be, and that involves removing any barriers standing in their way.

Jane Taylor - Promoted to Team Manager in Albrighton Food

Selina Tinton has taken her first Manager position at Nuneaton Food

Lauren Sheppard has taken on her new role as Store Manager of Kineton Food