Lynsey McCabe

Describe what a typical day at work looks like for you

No day at work is the same. Some days I can be found in my jeans working on the shop floor alongside the store manager and team and other days I’ll be in a meeting with my retailer’s. I particularly like supporting managers to deliver seasonal events such as Mother’s Day/Easter/Christmas and see the successful results. Part of my job is to know what the competition is doing so sometimes I do comparative shops in competitor stores. Other days I could be presenting at a Managers Meeting or taking my retailers to see other stores for inspiration. Each day is totally different and that’s part of the excitement.

Who and what are you responsible for?

I live in Omagh and look after stores in Co. Tyrone, Co. Fermanagh and Co. Antrim so you won’t often find me in the Office, but I am always at the end of the phone if I’m needed.

I am responsible for a group of 2 key accounts, 14 SPAR stores in total. It’s my job to support Independent Retailers grow their retail sales, improve their customer service, develop their Marketing and Digital Media plans, plan PR opportunities, grow their SPAR Brand in stores and ultimately act as their Business Partner for Henderson Group. My role is varied and that’s what I love about it! I work with 2 store owners, 2 area managers and 15 store managers and all their teams within my role, so it’s great getting to meet and work with so many different people.

How does your team fit into the Henderson Group?

Being part of the sales team means that you rely on other parts of the business to support your stores. Marketing is vital to increasing sales in your store and getting retailers messages out there. I often have to liaise with those who work in transport to arrange special deliveries and the trading team to secure special offers for my stores. Retail services are another important part of the business that I often work with. 2016/2017 has seen my retailers invest heavily in their stores and retail services play a vital part in the design and planning of this.

What are the best bits about your job?

I am very lucky to have such great retailers who are passionate about growing their business and value the support that they receive from me. Great relationships and trust are vital in my role. For me It’s great to see my retailers rewarded for their success- 2016 saw one of my retailers pick up 5 Awards throughout the year at prestigious retail events in London. I really enjoy getting a night out in London to network with others in the retail industry. Just yesterday I had the editor of Convenience Store Magazine out with me in Co. Fermanagh, the hard work that goes into preparing for a visit like this is what I enjoy and showcasing the hard work of those teams in-store.

Best bits about your company (Henderson Wholesale)?

Henderson Group and their SPAR stores are at the forefront of convenience retail in Northern Ireland. They are continually investing in their people and the business. Committed to sourcing over 75% of their products from local suppliers it’s great to work for a company that gives back to the community here in Northern Ireland. It’s a real family run company and often the Directors make the time to go out on the road with us in the sales team, to talk to the retailers and support us in our roles.

What is the best thing about your team?

I suppose you could say I work with 2 teams, the wider sales team and then the Key Account team. The Sales & Marketing team within Henderson Wholesale are a really friendly and helpful bunch of people. As my role isn’t office based it’s great to have the support of those key people at the end of the phone. There is a wide range of knowledge throughout the team.

Our Key Account team which consists of my Manager Robert and colleague Darren are a great team, they are always there for support and to act as a sounding board. We often meet up for team meetings and these are great ways to get focus and bounce ideas of each other.

What attracted you to Henderson Group?

I joined Henderson Wholesale 3 and a half years ago and have enjoyed every minute. I have always worked in retail; my last role was a Commercial Manager Role within Marks & Spencer’s Flagship Store at Sprucefield. Working for Henderson Group has given me the opportunity to get involved with the supplier side of retail and see all the parts of the cog working together to service convenience stores. They are an award winning company here in Northern Ireland and are well recognised for their contributions to the community. They are also recognised for developing their employees and I think that all combined is an attractive company to work for.

When not working, what can you be found doing?

When I am not at work you’ll find me with my husband Mark and my two children, Lucy 4 and Evan 2.  My two young kids keep me very busy at the weekends. We love getting out for walks and playing at the park.