First Line Manager Review

On site, generally positive. I operate in a highly dynamic & changing environment, with 2 days rarely being the same. This has led to a great surge in experience gain since I started with the company. The graduate side of the role however, I have been largely underwhelmed by. Working in a less traditional sector for the business has made my role often irrelevant to the more mainstream training content.

People management, disciplinary process management, operational oversight across multiple departments simultaneously.

I've been well out of my depth in terms of the experience at times, and been expected to take charge of important, time-critical tasks frequently. As a result, I've had no choice but to have a meaningful & impactful role. Recently, I've committed to an antisocial role change, to provide my team with enhanced support which has been warmly received.

Given the responsibility during my shifts, prior to my yr2 uplift, I was unhappy with my remuneration, however, since the pay uplift, this has improved the value I have felt to a point. The external perks, I haven't overly utilised, however what I have used has been relatively decent.

In terms of on-the-spot management & decision-making, it has been largely rewarding & beneficial. However, this has been solely through the work I have completed on shift. The training & apprenticeship work I would say has been of limited use, if any in terms of my direct role.

Prior till 6 months ago, the direct support I received would have received 1 star, however, lately it has definitely improved following a change in personnel. Prior to that I was working with ghosts in terms of support. Central team have been largely anonymous throughout, and placing the blame at anyone else's door but theirs for their lack of involvement.

Poor - the shifts are long and often anti-social, meaning that days off are spent recovering, rather than undertaking recreation.

This has nosedived of late, with a tangible increase in poor mental health cases amongst the workforce. General discourse appears to be that colleagues are struggling with workloads, which is having an impact on the overall workplace atmosphere.

They try hard, but this really doesn't break through the 1st management layer.

No

My personal experience hasn't been one which I would recommend. The work-life balance, accompanied with the underpaid pressure, is a far from encouraging combination.

I thought the central team-related activity would be much better than it has been in reality. The actual job is about as chaotic as I anticipated, however, nothing can really prepare you for summer peak. I anticipated that site management would be a lot more tuned in, to what you need to complete graduate-related activities, however, this has certainly not been the case in my experience.