Steve
Area Manager
Regulated Sales
How did you get where you are now?
I started out as a cashier with the Halifax in 1993, and progressed through the ranks to become a mortgage arranger a couple of years later. Then in 1997, I took up a Personal Financial Adviser (PFA) position.
My first management role came in 2001 when I was made line manager for all PFAs working in Halifax branches in the Croydon area. Finally, in 2003 I got the chance to head up the London City team, managing PFAs working in the Square Mile. It’s definitely a much more cutthroat end of the business.
What are your main responsibilities?
Making sure that PFA’s hit their targets. I also manage their file quality – in other words, I ensure that regulatory requirements are met and that customers receive exemplary service as a result.
What kind of person do you have to be to succeed as a Area Manager?
You need to be very focused and enthusiastic, and show professionalism to the nth degree. Good time-management skills are also key.
Give us an insight into the training you receive
New PFA’s are sent away for three and a half weeks so that they can get to grip with the workings of the financial markets. It also gives them the opportunity to enhance their sales skills.
When you move into management, you receive a role-structured training on a one-to-one basis. This takes place over a two-month period, but all the time you’re still on the job.
Describe the culture in Branch Network
Exceptionally driven, with a strong will to succeed and a great sense of teamwork. Everyone mucks in and is highly supportive of each other. For my part, I try to be as hands-on as possible.
What are the promotion opportunities like?
There really is a wealth of promotion prospects as we’re all part of the HBOS Group and jobs are advertised in a central source. What’s more, we’re encouraged to look outside our own domain in order to build up our experience.
Personally, I see the next step in my career ladder as being Regional Manager, overseeing several Area Managers like myself.
