Senior Manager, Outside Service Engagement and Improvement Review
at ASDA
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Management, Business Operations
Leeds
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
On a day-to-day basis, my responsibilities include:
- Project coordination and planning: Supporting the planning and execution of project activities, ensuring tasks are clearly defined and delivered within agreed timelines.
- Stakeholder engagement: Communicating with internal teams, suppliers, and key stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
- Performance monitoring: Tracking progress against project plans, milestones, and performance indicators to ensure delivery remains on schedule.
- Risk and issue management: Maintaining RAID logs and proactively identifying risks, issues, assumptions, and dependencies that may impact delivery.
- Data analysis and reporting: Reviewing operational and performance data to inform decision-making and provide insight into project outcomes.
- Continuous improvement: Identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and customer experience through digital and operational enhancements.
- Project coordination and planning: Supporting the planning and execution of project activities, ensuring tasks are clearly defined and delivered within agreed timelines.
- Stakeholder engagement: Communicating with internal teams, suppliers, and key stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
- Performance monitoring: Tracking progress against project plans, milestones, and performance indicators to ensure delivery remains on schedule.
- Risk and issue management: Maintaining RAID logs and proactively identifying risks, issues, assumptions, and dependencies that may impact delivery.
- Data analysis and reporting: Reviewing operational and performance data to inform decision-making and provide insight into project outcomes.
- Continuous improvement: Identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and customer experience through digital and operational enhancements.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Overall, I have really enjoyed the programme as it has provided me with the opportunity to develop both my practical skills and theoretical knowledge within project management. One of the aspects I have found most valuable is how the course links academic frameworks and methodologies, such as project lifecycle models and strategic analysis tools, to real-world business scenarios.
The programme has also encouraged me to reflect on my own professional practice. Applying concepts such as stakeholder management, risk management, and performance monitoring to projects within my organisation has helped me better understand how structured project management approaches can improve delivery and outcomes.
While balancing the course alongside full-time work has been challenging at times, it has ultimately been a very rewarding experience. It has strengthened my confidence in managing projects, improved my analytical and leadership skills, and given me a broader perspective on how projects contribute to organisational strategy and transformation.
Overall, I feel the programme has been a valuable step in my professional development and has helped prepare me for future opportunities within project and change management.
The programme has also encouraged me to reflect on my own professional practice. Applying concepts such as stakeholder management, risk management, and performance monitoring to projects within my organisation has helped me better understand how structured project management approaches can improve delivery and outcomes.
While balancing the course alongside full-time work has been challenging at times, it has ultimately been a very rewarding experience. It has strengthened my confidence in managing projects, improved my analytical and leadership skills, and given me a broader perspective on how projects contribute to organisational strategy and transformation.
Overall, I feel the programme has been a valuable step in my professional development and has helped prepare me for future opportunities within project and change management.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, throughout the programme I have both developed existing skills and gained several new ones. One of the key areas of development has been my project management capability, particularly in understanding and applying structured methodologies and frameworks such as project lifecycle models, risk management processes, and strategic analysis tools.
I have also strengthened my stakeholder management and communication skills, as the course emphasised the importance of engaging with different stakeholders, managing expectations, and ensuring alignment throughout a project. This has helped me become more confident when collaborating with teams and presenting project information clearly.
Another important area of development has been analytical and problem-solving skills. I have learned how to analyse data, identify risks and issues, and develop practical solutions to support project delivery.
In addition, the programme has improved my planning, organisation, and time management skills, particularly when balancing academic work alongside my professional responsibilities. Overall, these new and enhanced skills have strengthened my ability to contribute effectively to projects and support successful outcomes within the organisation.
I have also strengthened my stakeholder management and communication skills, as the course emphasised the importance of engaging with different stakeholders, managing expectations, and ensuring alignment throughout a project. This has helped me become more confident when collaborating with teams and presenting project information clearly.
Another important area of development has been analytical and problem-solving skills. I have learned how to analyse data, identify risks and issues, and develop practical solutions to support project delivery.
In addition, the programme has improved my planning, organisation, and time management skills, particularly when balancing academic work alongside my professional responsibilities. Overall, these new and enhanced skills have strengthened my ability to contribute effectively to projects and support successful outcomes within the organisation.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Overall, the programme is well organised and follows a clear structure that supports progressive learning. The content is delivered in a logical sequence, starting with the core principles of project management and gradually moving into more advanced concepts such as strategic analysis, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery frameworks.
Each module builds on the previous one, which helps reinforce understanding and allows learners to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
The programme also provides clear guidance around expectations, deadlines, and assessment requirements, which helps with planning and managing workloads alongside professional responsibilities. While balancing work and study can sometimes be challenging, the overall structure of the programme supports steady progression and skill development throughout the course.
Overall, the programme has been well structured and has provided a strong framework for developing both practical project management skills and a deeper understanding of project delivery within an organisational setting.
Each module builds on the previous one, which helps reinforce understanding and allows learners to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
The programme also provides clear guidance around expectations, deadlines, and assessment requirements, which helps with planning and managing workloads alongside professional responsibilities. While balancing work and study can sometimes be challenging, the overall structure of the programme supports steady progression and skill development throughout the course.
Overall, the programme has been well structured and has provided a strong framework for developing both practical project management skills and a deeper understanding of project delivery within an organisational setting.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have received good support from my employer throughout the programme. They have recognised the value of the course in developing my professional skills and how it contributes to both my role and the wider organisation.
My employer has supported me by allowing time to attend learning sessions, complete coursework, and prepare for assessments. They have also encouraged me to apply the knowledge and tools I have learned on the programme within real projects, which has helped reinforce my learning and develop practical experience.
In addition, I have been able to discuss aspects of the programme with colleagues and managers, which has helped provide insight and context when relating academic concepts to real workplace situations.
Overall, the support from my employer has been important in helping me balance my work responsibilities with the demands of the programme and in enabling me to apply my learning effectively in a professional environment.
My employer has supported me by allowing time to attend learning sessions, complete coursework, and prepare for assessments. They have also encouraged me to apply the knowledge and tools I have learned on the programme within real projects, which has helped reinforce my learning and develop practical experience.
In addition, I have been able to discuss aspects of the programme with colleagues and managers, which has helped provide insight and context when relating academic concepts to real workplace situations.
Overall, the support from my employer has been important in helping me balance my work responsibilities with the demands of the programme and in enabling me to apply my learning effectively in a professional environment.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I have received a good level of support from my training provider throughout the programme. The tutors and coaches have been accessible and responsive, providing guidance during workshops, one-to-one sessions, and through online communication when needed.
They have supported my learning by clearly explaining course content, providing useful resources, and offering constructive feedback on assignments and progress. This feedback has been particularly valuable in helping me understand areas for improvement and how to strengthen my work to meet the required standards.
Regular progress reviews and check-ins have also helped ensure that I stay on track with the programme and feel prepared for key milestones. Overall, the support from the training provider has been helpful in building my confidence and ensuring I am progressing successfully towards completing my qualification.
They have supported my learning by clearly explaining course content, providing useful resources, and offering constructive feedback on assignments and progress. This feedback has been particularly valuable in helping me understand areas for improvement and how to strengthen my work to meet the required standards.
Regular progress reviews and check-ins have also helped ensure that I stay on track with the programme and feel prepared for key milestones. Overall, the support from the training provider has been helpful in building my confidence and ensuring I am progressing successfully towards completing my qualification.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that the qualification has helped me perform more effectively in my role by giving me a stronger understanding of structured project management approaches and best practices. It has provided me with practical tools and frameworks that I can apply directly to my work, particularly when planning, coordinating, and monitoring project activities.
For example, learning about areas such as stakeholder management, risk management, and project lifecycle planning has helped me approach projects in a more structured and strategic way. I now have a better understanding of how to identify risks early, manage expectations with stakeholders, and ensure that project deliverables align with organisational objectives.
The qualification has also strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills, allowing me to assess project challenges more critically and identify solutions that support successful outcomes.
Overall, the programme has increased my confidence in my role and has helped me contribute more effectively to project delivery within the organisation.
For example, learning about areas such as stakeholder management, risk management, and project lifecycle planning has helped me approach projects in a more structured and strategic way. I now have a better understanding of how to identify risks early, manage expectations with stakeholders, and ensure that project deliverables align with organisational objectives.
The qualification has also strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills, allowing me to assess project challenges more critically and identify solutions that support successful outcomes.
Overall, the programme has increased my confidence in my role and has helped me contribute more effectively to project delivery within the organisation.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are a range of extra-curricular activities available within the workplace that employees can get involved in. These can include wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for professional networking.
In addition, there are opportunities to take part in professional development events, such as internal networking sessions, knowledge-sharing meetings, and learning workshops. These activities provide a chance to connect with colleagues from different areas of the business, share experiences, and build professional relationships.
Overall, these opportunities help create a positive working environment and allow employees to engage with the wider organisation beyond their core role.
In addition, there are opportunities to take part in professional development events, such as internal networking sessions, knowledge-sharing meetings, and learning workshops. These activities provide a chance to connect with colleagues from different areas of the business, share experiences, and build professional relationships.
Overall, these opportunities help create a positive working environment and allow employees to engage with the wider organisation beyond their core role.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend ASDA to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Asda because it provides a supportive and inclusive working environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop and grow. The organisation values teamwork and collaboration, which helps create a positive culture where people feel part of a wider community.
ASDA also offers opportunities for career development and learning, including training programmes and apprenticeships that help employees build new skills and progress within the business. This investment in development allows colleagues to gain valuable experience while continuing to grow professionally.
In addition, the company promotes a strong focus on customer service and community engagement, which gives employees a sense of purpose in their roles and the opportunity to make a positive impact.
Overall, ASDA is a good place to work because it combines a supportive culture, opportunities for development, and a strong commitment to both colleagues and customers.
ASDA also offers opportunities for career development and learning, including training programmes and apprenticeships that help employees build new skills and progress within the business. This investment in development allows colleagues to gain valuable experience while continuing to grow professionally.
In addition, the company promotes a strong focus on customer service and community engagement, which gives employees a sense of purpose in their roles and the opportunity to make a positive impact.
Overall, ASDA is a good place to work because it combines a supportive culture, opportunities for development, and a strong commitment to both colleagues and customers.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to ASDA?
My advice would be to take the time to understand ASDA’s values and demonstrate how your skills and experience align with them. The company places a strong focus on teamwork, customer service, and delivering value, so it’s important to show that you can work collaboratively and put customers at the centre of what you do.
It is also helpful to prepare examples that show your problem-solving, communication, and organisational skills, as these are important in many roles within the business. Using real examples of situations where you have worked as part of a team, handled challenges, or supported customers can help strengthen your application.
Another tip would be to show a positive attitude and willingness to learn. ASDA values colleagues who are proactive, adaptable, and open to developing new skills, particularly in a fast-paced environment.
Finally, I would recommend being authentic and confident during the application and interview process. Being able to clearly explain your experience and how you can contribute to the team will help demonstrate that you are a good fit for the organisation.
It is also helpful to prepare examples that show your problem-solving, communication, and organisational skills, as these are important in many roles within the business. Using real examples of situations where you have worked as part of a team, handled challenges, or supported customers can help strengthen your application.
Another tip would be to show a positive attitude and willingness to learn. ASDA values colleagues who are proactive, adaptable, and open to developing new skills, particularly in a fast-paced environment.
Finally, I would recommend being authentic and confident during the application and interview process. Being able to clearly explain your experience and how you can contribute to the team will help demonstrate that you are a good fit for the organisation.
