Introduce yourself with Jenny Wilkins

Jenny is our Implementation Manager for Food, essentially a project manager for store refits. Jenny started with us as a part-timer in our Food stores and has worked her way up through the Society over the past 34 years!

We caught up with Jenny to hear more about what she gets up to in her role and her spare time.

What’s the biggest thing you and your team are working on right now?

We are currently working on the acquisition of around 4 new stores and we are looking to have them all open before Christmas, which is a huge undertaking along with our current schedule. In addition to this, we are working hard to deliver D category refits around the business. D category refits are where we go into a store and give it a low-cost refresh without the need for the store to close.

What’s been your proudest moment since joining Midcounties?

Proudest moment personally has to be the marriage of my two daughters, this was a great source of pride for me after raising them for so many years to see them both so happy.

What’s been your biggest challenge so far?

Work-wise, it would have to be taking on new colleagues in the team, nurturing them, looking after them and getting them up to a high standard. Our refit team are like a family and it's important that we all push each other to be the best we possibly can!

Why did you decide to join Midcounties?

I joined Midcounties as a part-timer in the Cinderford Food store 34 years ago as a way of helping the family. I really grew up with the business as a person in and out of work, my family life really pushed me to develop professionally within Midcounties. I'm now looking forward to my 35th work anniversary next year and hope there's many more to come.

Quick Fire Questions 

What’s top of your bucket list?

Skydiving! Hopefully next year I'll be able to tick that one off the list.

What 3 celebrities would you invite to a dinner party?

David Attenborough definitely. Allison Steadman, who played Gavin's Mum in Gavin & Stacey and Jeff Lynn (lead singer in ELO) always a Mr Blue Sky moment.

What’s one of the scariest things you’ve ever done?

Going up in a Microlight plane with no engine, it was both petrifying and thrilling! If you haven't done it I'd highly recommend giving it a go.

What’s your favourite place you’ve ever visited?

Las Vegas, I've been there five times now and won't be stopping there. I love driving through the desert to Palm Spings, beautiful!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My parents – "Just be you Jen"