Phoebe Oberoi — Impulse food technical

Phoebe studied International Relations at the University of Birmingham before joining the Tesco Business Graduate Scheme

Why choose opt for a career in retail?

I’ve always wanted to work in a business that has a tangible impact on a large scale and also serves a range of people and groups. Retail is a sector that provides that. It’s exciting, fast paced, continually evolving and I get to work with international suppliers to enhance the various needs of our customers.

What appealed to you about working for Tesco?

I joined Tesco through their Business Diversity Internship programme and from the beginning I have been encouraged to be myself, to embrace the way that I think and to not let systemic barriers, such as being a woman of colour, hold me back. This has meant that I've immersed myself in a range of opportunities. At Tesco I've been able to try new things, discover my passions and become a more well-rounded individual.

What does a typical working day involve?

Working in food technical is a complex, practical, hands-on job.

My job is to ensure that the suppliers that we work with and the ingredients that we source are safe for our customers. My day to day includes engaging with many stakeholders, including others from my technical team, the sustainability team, buying teams and my external food suppliers. Some days I’ll be out of the office, visiting sites and spending time in their factories to monitor compliance, food safety and quality practices.

I’m a member of the Disability Steering Committee and I am leading the project and working with the brands and internal Tesco departments to source products and prepare for a celebratory festival, that will recognise colleagues across the business who embody disability confident.

What three qualities are essential to your role?

I’d say the ability to manage change and adapt is fundamental. While my placement this year has been focused on quality improvement strategies, I was recently asked to join a different department on a three-month secondment, working on a different business-critical project that involved working with a new set of stakeholders across the business.

Further, having a direct yet empathetic communicative style is also important, given that my role manages internal and external stakeholders. In the current climate, working with our external food suppliers means it is vital I am clear about my expectations of safety and food quality, yet understanding of the challenges the supply base is facing.

Finally, I must consider the bigger picture and the compliance of our processes and suppliers to protect our customers. Like any role it’s so easy to get caught up on the detail, and while important, I am often placed in situations where I must make decisions quickly. So, reminding myself of the broader strategy and governance helps me deal with such competing demands.

What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

Knowing that my work in improvement strategies, commodities mapping and maintaining quality will directly benefit our products and customers across the country.

Sometimes I find it unbelievable the scale of my impact. I can walk into any store and see confectionary and biscuits , knowing I’ve directly influenced and shaped these products.

What are the challenges?

I’d say getting to grips with the scale and range of work that is going on within Tesco. It’s been nearly a year since I joined and every day I learn about something new. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep a track of the amazing work that’s going on. But it’s something that I know will get easier with experience.

Describe your job at Tesco in three words.

• practical
• collaborative
• rewarding.

What are your career ambitions?

I want to progress to lead a team that embodies an inclusive and motivated culture. I want to continue to make a positive impact and work towards our standard of every voice being heard.

Having a role where I get to work with brands, suppliers and then a range of internal stakeholders too, would be amazing. I believe that Tesco is the best place to achieve this dream.

What advice would you give to others thinking about working in retail?

Go for it. There is so much more to retail than I initially realised, it’s like its own world. I’d encourage anyone to explore the opportunities but be open minded about the teams they could work in.

Accept that it will be a learning curve as there is so much going on. It’s important to be patient with yourself and others. The fast-paced nature and scale means it’s essential to give yourself the time to settle in and set realistic expectations.

Find out more

• Learn more about the opportunities on offer at Tesco.
• Gain an insight into the retail sector.