10th March 2019

Meet Retail Divisional Head, Mark McKenzie

Image of a man smiling with his children

We recently caught up with Mark McKenzie, one of two Divisional Heads for our Retail estate to find out more about him and what a day in the life of his role looks like.

I’m the Vodafone Divisional Head of the South retail estate and have been in post for the last 4 years, having worked as a Vodafone Regional Manager before this. My every day includes overseeing all our stores across the South of the UK, delivering over 100,000 new sales per month and looking after the well-being and careers of 1800 retail colleagues. I have a strong team of 10 Regional Managers, who support me in driving these results and I work alongside 80 great Partners and growing, who run Vodafone stores as their franchise businesses.

My career within retail spans 28 years – I don’t look old enough, I know! I started working in the stockroom of Dixons in the Bury St Edmunds store and from there have spent 24 years in the frontline, progressing from Store Manager, Store Director, Regional Director and now Divisional Head.

My role is very rewarding. The parts I enjoy most are seeing people progress, develop new skills and I love supporting our teams to help enhance their quality of life through a great work-life balance! We offer career opportunities, not only local but global, with unlimited bonus earning potential! 

Like any role, it doesn’t come without its challenges and it can be tough at times. I think one of the biggest challenges is continuing to champion retail as a great place to work. It’s sadly not always seen to be a career path, but there are some good examples within our business and across the wider retail industry of individuals that have achieved great things. I have many employees within our South Division that have progressed their career with us and several of my Regional Management Team are a testament to this.

We’re always on the lookout for great talent to join our stores as our estate continues to grow. So, what makes a great Retail Adviser? Somebody who likes dealing with people, day in, day out; who enjoys building the right solutions for customers and creating customers for life, not just transactions. 

I feel very strongly about ensuring our workplace is all-inclusive and that people can be themselves at work. I’m an ally of our LGBTQ+ network and work with the Diversity and Inclusion team weekly. Together, we’re passionate about continuing to make Vodafone the number 1 best place to work!

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and 3 kids! As a family, we’re very active and we’re keen on gymnastics, dirt biking & climbing. I watch, rather than take part!

Interested in joining Vodafone?