Upcoming Live Chat - Let's talk applications!, Nov 20, 2025, 12:30.

Insider profil

Picture of Jim

Jim .

Portfolio Lead

Ask me a question
Customer Services
Customer Compliance

Keen to receive questions about

ApplicationsCareer DevelopmentCareer TipsEveryday LifeInterview AdviceOur CultureRoleWork & Life with Us

Top Insider Advice

Find a mentor you are comfortable with. Be prepared to take honest constructive feedback. Create a support network...it's easier than you think.

Read more advice

Career path

Portfolio Lead

HMRC

Started 01/2022 to Present

Retail and Training Manager

Various Retail Organisations

From 01/1985 to 08/1998

Department Manager

Asda

From 09/1988 to 06/2015

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

I love having scope to tackle issues as I see fit and not being micro managed. I love building a network of contacts to support my work as I don't know everything and am relatively new to my position. I love making a difference and providing support and facilitating in a small way to get the funding for essential national services. I love finding ways to do things more efficiently and smarter. I really love my latest job and happy to share how I got here by accident.

Greatest achievements

There is life after redundancy even though at the time it is devastating. It took me 6 years to build a new career and even though I thought I did not want more responsibility again I grew into it with the help and support of some good people along the way. My wife said I wouldn't like my new job however I did. I've learned so much in the digital space however I still have loads to learn and would encourage others to do so too.

Other insiders

Bal .

Social Media Support Officer

Top Insider Advice

Look for opportunities to build your skills, develop your talents and reach your potential. Sounds very wordy but learning is a lifelong journey and we never know everything I have found that trying something different has kept me happier at work and given me a sense of self satisfaction. It doesn't have to be work related it can include learning any new skill from sewing to pottery. At the moment I am currently spending 30 minutes a week completing learning around marketing and social media which is providing me with skills to better understand my role and that roles around me.

Viola .

Top Insider Advice

Identify your long term career aspirations, set specific goals and achievable goals to guide your progression Take advantage of training programmes, workshops, and seminars to enhance your skills and knowledge Take on new challenges - volunteer for projects or tasks outside your daily responsibilities Smile - build relationships with peers, leaders, mentors Prioritise your well-being, maintain a healthy work life balance, always set boundaries

Edward

Complaints Manager-Officer

Top Insider Advice

Always remain positive. Take the plunge once in a while and believe in yourself. Learn what you can from others. If there are any opportunities outside of your comfort zone, rise to the challenge and volunteer. You will surprise yourself, who will release the abilities that you didn’t think you had. Remain positive and focused on your goal. Consider the bigger picture, how does my role fit in within the wider goals of the business and how can you make it a great place to work. In a customer led role like mine, you can really make a difference to people’s lives. You see the negative impacts our mistakes can make and how you can work to ensure that they are not repeated, whilst improving the customer journey and the reputation of the business. You will gain positive feedback and people will look up to you.

Discussions with Jim
Is there one thing you wish you'd known before you applied?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Picture of Mustafa
Picture of Abbey
8 responses
2206 views
What's your top tip for doing well at interview?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Picture of Pat
Picture of Darrell
8 responses
2672 views
How soon after the interview did you know you were successful?
in Application process·Sunday, June 8, 2025
Picture of Robina
5 responses
155 views
What does a day look life in Debt Management as AO??
in Career Tips·Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Picture of Prudencia
Picture of Abbey
2 responses
32 views