Damien Nevin

Describe what a typical day at work looks like.

I project store development projects within the estate of our independent retailers. The job entails planning, costing, designing and managing various projects of various scales and demands. I may have meetings to attend to discuss current progress, visit stores and survey spaces or design and cost a refit or a new store.

I spend a lot of my time in stores working alongside our retail partners. I believe this is an important part of what we do, working alongside developing and maintain relationships.

I work with various other departments, wholesale, foodservice print etc on various projects also.

Who and what are you responsible for?

I don’t look after a particular area, this year I have looked after some key accounts, major capital investment projects, new stores and I look after some multi-site retailers.

This year has been a busy year for recruitment and new accounts and I have looked after a number of these ensuring stores open on time and to the highest possible standard.

I have to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget and to the highest possible retail standard ensuring that we are consistent in what we do and how we achieve it.

How does your team fit in to the Henderson Group?

All of my work currently is hand in hand with the sales and marketing in the wholesale team.

I work the team of RSM’s and the BDM’s to identify areas for development in stores, let that be a new fruit and veg cabinet to a 50% increase in retail space, we work together to deliver this. I work also with acquisitions on new recruits to BDP and foodservice on some projects also.

We have to ensure that we are in constant communication and that we help support each other to ensure that our retailers are guided to the best options for their refit.

What are the best bits about your job?

I enjoy the variety, no one day is the same. Retail excites me and I really enjoy working to ensure that the Henderson Group along with its Retail partners are the no one choice for convenience retailing in NI.

I enjoy the travelling and because I don’t cover a set geographical area I could cover a lot of miles in one day.

All the projects that we have on are all different and this helps keep me on top of my game.

What are the best bits about your company (Henderson Group Property)?

I think we are lucky to work in a company that invests so much in their people and the business. We wouldn’t be able to develop stores to the standard we do without the investment.

The company has offered me the opportunity to travel and go on the future leaders programme which was a fantastic opportunity to develop my skills and my outlook on life. the programme was in Austria this year and it was an amazing week away.

What is the best thing about your team?

think the best thing about my team is the fact that everyone is there to help each other

I am relatively new to the team, I’m in my third year with the company and  rely on others when I need help. The team does help share their experiences and work together to solve problems.

Sharing their experiences and learning’s helps me and I hope to help others in the future.

What attracted you to the Henderson Group?

I wanted to work in retail design and I didn’t think that an opportunity would arise.

I had researched the projects property had completed and this excited me so I wanted to apply.

I had heard the group was a fantastic company to work for and most people know us as the SPAR people but equally for the amount that the company gives back to the community and that really inspires me.

When not working what can you be found doing?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

I like to read and love walking and the outdoors.