The opportunities are limitless: Tesco paving the way for ex-servicewomen and military spouses to take a leading role

Tesco was the first retailer to pledge its name to the Armed Forces Covenant back in 2014 and they have continued to enhance their commitments to current Service personnel, veterans, military spouses, dependants and reservists ever since. They are proud supporters of the Armed Forces Community and strive to make it a great place for veterans, spouses, reservists and their families to work. Tesco has their own Armed Forces Network led by a veteran, and this year, they are proud sponsors of Armed Forces Day in June.

It only seems right, with International Women’s Day this month, to focus on the women in the Armed Forces Community, the spouses, reservists and ex-servicewomen, making their mark at the leading retailer. Read their inspiring case studies and discover hundreds of opportunities available to reservists, veterans and military spouses.

FROM ARMOURER TO GROUP SERVICE MANAGER: EMMA’S STORY

Prior to joining Tesco as Group Service Manager, Emma Martin-Law had a varied career within the Armed Forces - including serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Emma followed in her dad's footsteps and joined the British Army in 1998: “I had always had a love of engineering and a curiosity of how things worked from an early age, so I decided the Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) was the place for me and I was right! My engineering discipline was Weapon Systems (Armourer) which involved repairing and servicing everything from 9mm Pistols to 155mm artillery systems (AS90), and on occasions test firing which was definitely the fun part.”

Emma deployed to Iraq for Op Telic 1 in March 2003 and said it was an experience that gave her ‘new-found’ confidence: “With the threat of weapons of mass destruction hanging over us and daily updates about injured troops, it was a nervous time for everyone. I realised that I was more robust than I had thought, both physically and mentally which gave me a new-found confidence that has served me well through my career.”

It became clear at an early stage that as well as enjoying all things engineering, Emma had a passion for Leadership and Management. After several years of promotions, she was nominated to attend a selection course which would accelerate her career: “I passed and went on to complete a 2 year course where I gained an HND in Mechanical Engineering Technology, and was awarded my final rank of Artificer Weapons, something that I am extremely proud of.”

On Emma’s 34th birthday, she flew to Afghanistan on Op Herrick 17, which was her last deployment before leaving the Army: “I was responsible for running an engineering workshop with 50+ Engineers, a mix of British Military and LECs (locally employed civilians). The work was extremely dynamic, fast paced and very demanding but I had an excellent team that consistently achieved great results.”

Since leaving the military, Emma has had various engineering roles in the rail sector and FMCG, and is currently working as Group Service Manager for Tesco Maintenance. She said: “I have only been with Tesco for a short period of time, but it is obvious that the culture is a great fit for my values and behaviours and there is a sense of camaraderie, which is fantastic to see.”

Does Emma’s case study inspire you to take a leap into management? Tesco is currently recruiting for Maintenance Managers. APPLY NOW!

MILITARY SPOUSE FINDS FLEXIBILITY AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE: LAURA’S STORY

Laura Williams started her career with Stewarts supermarkets in Northern Ireland as a General Assistant, and after she graduated from university she became a Trainee Manager, then moved into HR. In 1989 Tesco acquired Stewarts, and helping colleagues through this transition was one of the proudest moments of Laura’s career: “I took a career break after my first child was born, and was able to return part-time and build my hours up to become Customer Services Manager in Carrickfergus Extra.

“I’ve since been Group Customer Manager, Group Personnel Manager and am now Store Manager; my favourite position to date.”

Laura said she loves the people aspect of her job, her team and customers. And the stand-out support she received as a military spouse highlights why Tesco is a great place to work for military families. Laura explained: “Tesco were especially supportive when my husband was in the RAF, allowing me to transfer as his job moved around a lot. My work-life balance is good today, so I can plan my working week around any family commitments.”