Raewyn Voice - Store Manager

I'm the manager of our Kerikeri store. I've been with BNZ for just over two years and come from owning my own business, and working in real estate both here and in Australia. I applied for the role because I wanted to use my business skills without having to invest my own funds. I wanted a role that would challenge me, and where I could learn and grow. I also like the fact that my successes are celebrated in a team environment – it makes me feel like I make a difference – unlike in your own business, where it tends to go unnoticed.

I'm better off at BNZ because I have the flexibility of being able to treat my store as my own business but also have the support of the company.

We start every morning with a meeting to discuss what we (the team) want to achieve today, how we are going to do it and generally discuss the day ahead. We talk about current and up and coming campaigns, motivate each other and try to have a bit of fun.

Most of my day is spent supporting staff in their various roles, coaching, sitting in on appointments and helping them to win new business. I also ensure that I keep up to date with what is happening within the Bank, and in the marketplace.

I help to raise our profile in the area by visiting professionals and other businesses. Sometimes I will do this in conjunction with our partners in business, agri, private bank (BNZ Partners) and mobile managers. I also attend business network group meetings to help raise our profile.

You never know what new challenges the day may bring – be it a difficult customer or sharing in someone’s success. I am always looking for ways to improve on what we are doing today and how we can increase the profile and sales in the shop. We treat the store as a retail shop, so there is always something to do, fixing displays, greeting customers, filling in for other staff members and generally ensuring the smooth running of the place. I love the customer contact and it makes them feel important when they’re served by the Store Manager.

There’s always paperwork and emails to deal with… sales reports, budgets, coaching plans. There never seems to be enough hours in the day but at the end of each day I get to measure our results and see if we achieved what we set out to achieve today. I tidy up a bit of paperwork, complete sales reports and prepare for the next day.