Meet Jack, one of our Team Leaders in Leicester. In this week’s colleague story, he tells us about his career journey from Customer Representative to Team Leader in a little over one year. Tell us about your background and your career journey so far at Hastings I joined Hastings at the end of 2019 just looking for some work, having heard great things about the business and the work environment. It was my first full time job, and I didn’t really know what to expect! I have now been with the business for about two years and have moved into leadership roles, where I have led teams in two different departments. I started as a Customer Representative in the Customer Service department, taking calls and working directly with customers – around a year into that role, I stepped up to look after a team. Following that, I secured a secondment and then a permanent Team Leader role. I really enjoy my job, I get to work with a large number of people across different areas of the business and leave work knowing I have been able to contribute to the success of the department and business in providing a high quality of service to our customers. I have recently taken a new role as a team leader in the Third Party Intervention department where we work with third parties involved in accidents with our customers to get the best outcome for all parties. What does a typical day in Customer Services at Hastings entail for you? Closely working with my team and colleagues to drive performance and improve our customer journey. Working in the moment as well as planning and preparing for the days ahead, there is always something to put my mind to. Focusing on ‘right first time’ to ensure that all our customers get the best level of service possible and enjoy their interaction with us. Work is social and enjoyable; I am always busy and love what I do. What advice would you give to someone looking to develop their career at Hastings? There is plenty of room for progression and development at Hastings Direct. I managed to go from a Customer Representative to Team leader in just over a year with no previous experience. The business puts in place the opportunities for you to grow and learn if you want to take them. Among other things in our department, we currently have the future leaders programme, to help teach the skills needed to be a leader. Do well in your current role, make your intentions to progress clear and you will be surrounded by people willing to help if you reach out. What do you love most about working for Hastings Direct? The people are great. From the Customer Representatives all the way up the leadership chain, everyone is warm, friendly and supportive. Everyone is willing to help and give you their time. The whole attitude of the business is orientated around our 4C’s – so as a colleague you will also be valued and treated excellently. Join Jack! We currently have Customer Service roles available in Leicester, along with a range of other opportunities in Bexhill and Leicester. We also have some home-based roles in Customer Retention for successful candidates who live within a non-commutable distance from one of our offices. If you’d like to be part of a team working together to support our customers, click here to find our more and apply.