Case Studies
Want to know what it's like to work for Borders (UK) before you send us your application form? See the below case studies highlighting some of our employees' progression within our different functions.
Nicky Boardman, General Manager Norwich
Borders “Superstore General Manager of the Year 2007”
As an English Graduate, I joined as a Bookseller in Borders Cambridge in June 2001 (initially for 6 months) and was part of the original opening team in charge of the audio books and bargain sections. Shortly after my 6 month deadline I was promoted to Events Supervisor which gave me a chance to meet some fantastic authors such as Will Self, Alexei Sayle, Jacqueline Wilson and Chuck Palahniuk, my favourite author. Within 18 months I’d made it to the role of Senior Manager which gives you a greater understanding of management and the publishing industry as a whole.
As the store went from strength to strength so did my personal development - I helped open and train the Watford store and team and later on became the senior ‘Mentor Trainer’ in Gateshead. I also helped begin a number of company-wide initiatives and trials, culminating in a support role for London Books Etc stores in the Christmas of 2006. At the same time I was part of the first group of inductees into the senior management development programme – ‘Princeps’.
In March 2006 I was lucky enough to be promoted to the position of General Manager of the Norwich store, a business with a number of unique challenges and very different from Cambridge. With the support of my Regional Manager and a peer group of General Managers from the Princeps programme, my team and I were able to firmly make our mark in Norwich through 2006, culminating in my being shortlisted for the Readers Digest Store Manager of the Year at the 2007 Bookseller Retail Awards, and winning Superstore General Manager of the Year at the Borders Conference 2007.
I can think of no other place where so many creative, smart and passionate people work, from our Cashiers to our Directors. It’s a real pleasure working with a product you care about, and helping our customers find the product they are passionate about- there is no other retailer as rewarding, challenging and stimulating on the High Street.
Ed Meek, General Manager London Colney
I started work as a bookseller for Borders (UK) at the Cambridge store in the Spring of 2002 and was soon bitten by the 'Borders bug', notably Borders commitment to the highest standards of customer service and the company's determination to offer our customers something just a little bit different.
I really enjoyed learning from the knowledgeable staff at Cambridge and with their support I was soon able to progress into a variety of management positions. I was struck at the time by the huge opportunities that the company offered to those of us who had joined at the first rung of the Borders ladder. After learning my trade as a stock room supervisor during Christmas of 2002, I became an Assistant Manager in 2003 and then Manager in 2004, with responsibilities during that time across most areas of store operations. In 2005-6 I was fortunate to attend the company's 'Princeps Management Development Programme' (an internal training scheme designed to help senior managers across the business develop into future store General Managers).
Other exciting opportunities came thick and fast, such as assisting in the opening of the Swansea store and then training as an SRM (essentially a project manager in charge of opening new stores) at Llantrisant-Cardiff in 2006. In August 2007 I found a new home as manager of Borders London Colney (known as Borders J22 of the M25). Since then, I have really enjoyed the challenges of running my own store during a period of great change for the industry and the company. Overall, I'd say that when you join Borders there'll be great opportunities for you, it's up to you to make the most of them.
Dom Kippin, Events and PR executive
Head Office, London
I joined Borders in 2006, following several years with Waterstone's. After working in most roles, from Christmas temp to store manager I wanted a new challenge. I had always been a fan of Borders, it's alternative approach to bookselling. So when the opportunity arose to join the team preparing to open a new Borders in Southampton I jumped at the chance.
My role in Southampton was Sales Manager which, with a new store meant a lot of outreach work, getting the Borders brand into a new city. It also meant a lot of sales floor work, as we opened on 1st December, right in the Christmas rush! The whole experience of opening a store is one I'll never forget. Once Southampton was up and running I transferred to the Bournemouth store, again as Sales Manager. The challenge here was different, as the store had been trading for seven years. A more experienced team meant we could focus on larger projects, working together with local colleges and businesses.
Exactly one year after joining Borders I completed my third move, joining the Marketing team at Head Office as Events & PR Executive. In all my years of bookselling, my favourite part has been running events. Whether it's bestselling authors such as Michael Palin or Jacqueline Wilson, or small community events like a reading group or baby signing lessons, events provide a store with an extra buzz. Borders has a great reputation for being a store where there is always something happening, and I'm looking forward to the challenge of building that reputation.
Alex Calabrese, Marketing Executive
Head Office, London
I joined Borders (UK) in 2002, when I first moved to London from sunny Sicily. With a degree in English and several work experiences behind me, I decided I wanted to make an old childhood dream come true and work as a bookseller. I started in the Books etc. Hammersmith store and from the first day enjoyed it very much. I always liked working in front-line roles, plus I was in charge of buying for one of my favourite sections - children’s. I was lucky enough to work with a lovely bunch of people, all very experienced booksellers. Working closely on the shop floor helped us bond quickly - which is vital when working under pressure in a busy shop.
When I moved to Head Office to join the Marketing team I was sad to leave my shop colleagues, but at the same time excited to start my new role. I already had previous experience in Marketing and had just completed my first CIM marketing certificate. In addition I felt I could bring my experience from the shop to contribute to the success of the Marketing department. In August 2005 I was appointed Brand Marketing Executive. Stepping up in the marketing department was a great achievement for me and I am glad to be able to make the most of the skills and expertise I've built up in the past years.
I have recently come back to my old desk after a year off on maternity leave. In the meantime many new stores have opened, and many new people have joined the team, but the passion for books and for our brand is always very strong and heartfelt.
Working for Borders (UK) has always proved exciting, challenging, and certainly never boring, it is definitely a great professional experience in a highly enriching environment.
Andy Martin, Operations Manager
Distribution Centre, Cornwall
I joined Borders UK in 1997 after working for Books etc for 2 years as a warehouse operative. In 1997 I was asked to help set-up the Borders UK distribution centre in a warehouse called MOJO in Penryn (Cornwall). With a lot of support and help from my colleges in Cornwall and in Charring Cross I gained on hand experience in distribution and the supply chain. We put the opening stock and ongoing product into the first UK Ireland store in Oxford Street.
After 4 years and many new Borders stores we moved to St Columb (Cornwall) in a brand new 50,000 sq ft location. This year we added another 50,000 sqft and an automated sorting process so we can provide the Borders and Books etc stores with an improved service.
I have made many friends and have been supported very well by Borders UK. To sum up I would like to say anyone who joins Borders UK joins a large family and is welcome to join us in the distribution centre on Fridays for a pasty.
