Being local and in the heart of the community is at the very core of everything we do, so our people are of paramount importance to us. Our colleagues’ stories come from every part of our unique business, and they’ll help you to understand what life at The Original Factory Shop is really like:
Retail – Karen, Store Manager
As a store manager, I run my store with a personal touch. From the way I am encouraged to invest in my team through continuous training, guiding them to be the best and deliver gold star service enables us to place the store firmly in the heart of our local community. One of the best things about my role is the connections you make, from customers, peers and upper management you are supported to bring forward new ideas to the business, shaping the future gives me great job satisfaction.
Concessions – Burnley Support Centre Danielle Moore
I have been working at The Original Factory Shop for 8 years now and have moved up through various job roles. Working here has allowed me to build completely new skillsets through the training the company has provided, including supporting me through a business apprenticeship whilst also working through my own personal goals for development. The things I love most about working for The original Factory shop are the supportive teams and management, flexible working which allows a great work/home balance and also the continual progression that is available.
Commercial – Burnley Support Centre Phillipa Kay, Buyer
I started my journey at The Original Factory Shop in 2012. My first role within the business was Buyers Admin Assistant. Thanks to the support and guidance I received, I was promoted to Assistant Buyer, and then again to Buyer. Every day is different, which keeps the buzz alive for me. Not only that, but the whole team are also amazing, from warehouse to stores to support centre. With the added benefits of hybrid working, flexi time, bonus scheme and your birthday off, TOFS really is a great place to work!
HR – Burnley Support Centre Charlie Cuthbert, Talent Acquisition Lead
I have been with The Original Factory Shop for just over two years and it’s the first time in ages I have a great balance of loving my job and having time for my young family (and feeling supported in that). The structure is very linear so I can get involved in all aspects of the business, which is challenging because no two days are t he same but it’s brilliantly rewarding because you can see the results of the work that you’ve done… I think there is something quite special about that. Lots of companies say they ‘care’ about their colleagues; but it’s genuine here. I see it every day at work with my interactions with people around the business and if there is a problem, we work together to fix it. I feel very supported. It’s nice to work for a business where the values are an honest reflection of how they operate; we work as ‘one team’; we support and listen to each other, and I feel as though my opinion is valued.
Finance – Burnley Support Centre Charlotte, Purchase Ledger & Banking Manager
I’ve been working for The Original Factory Shop for 2 years now and time really has flown. I thoroughly enjoy every day at work, my colleagues are all very friendly and approachable and there are always new challenges to get my teeth stuck into. I would say that the most enjoyable aspect of working here is having trust from upper management. The decision to turn the head office into a hybrid hub has been really well received. Having that trust to work from home and not be micromanaged makes you feel valued and like you want to give back to the business. I couldn’t think of a better place to work that also fits around my home life.
Commercial – Burnley Support Centre Josh, Assistant Merchandiser
I’ve been working at The Original Factory Shop for nearly 7 years now and it’s flown by. I enjoy that every day in the merchandising function is different that involves a lot of problem solving and analytical skills. From starting as an allocator to moving in to the merchandising function, I’ve always received the best help to fulfil my goals and achievements. The culture within the commercial team is amazing with everyone thriving to achieve the companies goals every year. After COVID, the company decided to turn the head office in to a hybrid workplace which has been a breath of fresh air. Not only has it shown trust that the management team has in the employees; it has also given a good work-life balance.
Warehouse Dave Waterston, Shift Manager
I originally joined the Original Factory shop as a picker for the agency following my redundancy from my production manager role in 2015. After 2 months I was promoted to the Agency Coordinator looking after at least 60 agency colleagues for the business. After 2 years I was employed by the business as a process manager looking after goods in, goods out and recycling as well as doing the KPI’s for picking/driving. After another year I was promoted to Shift Manager looking after shift 2. I now look after both shifts now and I’m a Mental Health First Aider and a First Aider. I am really pleased that the business has been able to grow my career.
Marketing – Burnley Support Centre Megan, Marketing and Social Media Assistant
I have been working at The Original Factory Shop for just over a year now. In my role as Marketing and Social Media Assistant, I’m able to work along side talented individuals to create customer/business focused content across all things Digital, App, Store and Customer. TOFS has been a great place to begin my career in Marketing as I have been given the support and guidance to learn and gain invaluable knowledge. My colleagues are at the heart of what I enjoy about TOFS. They are incredibly supportive, friendly and always have time for a chat when needed. The work/life balance really is a priority to them, allowing me great satisfaction through my job and home life.
