From Part-Time to Regional Manager: Gemma Inspirational Toolstation Journey

Meet Gemma 

Toolstation Regional Manager, Gemma Tysoe, from Chester, joined Toolstation with a Saturday job in her local branch, and gradually worked her way up to Regional Manager for the North West and parts of Wales. 

Now she is responsible for overseeing branches across the region, developing teams, building customer relationships, sharing ideas to improve sales and leading and engaging a huge team. 

Toolstation offers robust career progression opportunities where our colleagues can begin with part-time positions and work their way up to managerial roles, just like Gemma. 

We caught up with her to learn about her career journey at Toolstation:

Part-time - How Gemma began her Toolstation journey

Describing how it all began with Toolstation, Gemma said: “It was actually all down to my dad.

 “He shopped there daily in his role as a joiner, and he saw a job posting at my local branch and that set me on my way. I applied for the job and got a call two days later.

“I was studying business at school and the 16 hours a week suited me perfectly. It meant I could work over the Saturday and Sunday, get some money together and then concentrate on studying during the week.” 

We understand that life comes first at Toolstation so that’s why we offer flexible working.

From Supervisor to Branch Manager- Progression opportunities at Toolstation 

Gemma said that when a Supervisor role came up at her branch her Manager at the time pushed her to apply.

At Toolstation, you'll experience a work environment that continually challenges and encourages you to progress and develop. 

Whether you start with a part-time role or join in a different capacity, Toolstation provides the support and resources needed for your ongoing development. This ensures that you can reach your full potential and excel in your career. 

We offer a range of Apprenticeships tailored to empower individuals to develop through the ranks. These Apprenticeships are designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience necessary to flourish within the company. 

They serve as a stepping stone, enabling you to continuously work towards the next level in the business while enhancing your capabilities and expertise. 

We’re better together and this looks like working together to share knowledge, learn and grow - making the most of who we are and what we do.

“The rest is history,” she added. “I had been a Supervisor for five years when a Branch Manager role came up and I applied. That’s when things became more serious. I was now responsible for managing other staff, so I began to learn and absorb from other Store Managers, my Line Manager and Supervisors. 

Regional Manager - Nurturing career growth through training and development

“In 2018 the Regional Manager role came up which I applied for – it couldn’t have been more perfect.”

Gemma said that working her way up has given her valuable insight into how the company works and she has benefitted from regular training opportunities along the way.

“It means that I learnt every small detail for each job I was given, and that helped me understand the business better,” she said.

“After only a couple of years, I got the chance to go on a Toolstation development programme where I went on courses to learn about things including health, safety, people management and more. These courses were face-to-face and remote learning, and were a big part of my development.” 

When it comes to offering training and development, you’ll have every opportunity to take advantage of programmes and support relevant to your role, experience and ability. 

Why you should consider working at Toolstation 

Describing why she enjoys coming to work every day, she said: “For me, it’s all about the people and the variety. I love working with large groups of people and with Toolstation growing so rapidly no two days are ever the same.”

You’ll get to experience a high-energy, positive, and fun place to work. We’re a down-to-earth, open and honest business, where there’s always someone around to help you out when you need it. 

Gemma’s top tips for turning a part-time job into a full-time role include:

1. Be dedicated
   2. Always show a willingness to learn new things
   3. Understand what is expected from you in your role
   4. Be on time and follow through on any commitments or promises you make
   5. Get to know people and share your experiences

Take the first step today, apply for a job at Toolstation, and open the door to a world of career progression opportunities waiting for you. Take a look at our current vacancies.