Our Stories

“I graduated with a degree in economics back in 2009, which was a tricky time to find work, so I was really pleased to get a temporary job in the Sales Ledger Team at the Watches of Switzerland Group in 2010.

It was my first proper job and a great introduction to working in finance, as I moved around and got exposed to different roles. I was only a temporary for a few months before I became full-time. I eventually applied for a job in the Management Accounts team – they were only looking for qualified accountants at the time, but I’d worked hard and they took me on. The Watches of Switzerland Group then supported me through my studies for the industry-recognised CIMA accountancy qualification, which I completed in 2017, and has been a really important step in my career. ”

“I joined the Watches of Switzerland Group as an Admin Assistant on the Luxury Brands and Jewellery Essentials Team in 2018, after graduating with a degree in fashion design.

It was a great introduction, but I quickly realised that I wanted to get more involved in the creative side of product development – working with the suppliers on jewellery design and on trends, which led to me working on categories across the jewellery department and the Watches of Switzerland Group fascias. First, I was an Assistant Buyer, then a Senior Assistant Buyer, then a Junior Buyer, and now I’m a Buyer, mainly working on Mappin & Webb jewellery. ”

“It was 2018, I’d just finished sixth form but wasn’t sure what to do next, so I came to the Watches of Switzerland Group for work experience, and it all went from there!

The IT team needed a bit of help, so at first I was put on a short temporary contract, just to finish the project I was working on. After that, they offered me an IT Apprenticeship.

I could have gone to university – but I thought, why go to university when I can earn money and learn at the same time? It seemed like the right thing to do for me, and it definitely has proved to be the right choice.”

“I started my career with the Watches of Switzerland Group working in Goldsmiths Showrooms in 2012. My son was only two years old at the time, so I went into a part-time sales role. I loved working in the Showroom and, as soon as I was able to, I increased the hours I could work. I progressed from working as a Sales Associate to Supervisor, Assistant Manager and then Deputy Manager of the Showroom. I worked in the Showroom for eight years in total, before making the move to Support Services as Retail Operations Assistant Programme Manager, and now Service Delivery Manager in the Property Team.

It was important to me to go back to work after having my son, and I knew I wanted to work my way up to a Manager role. I had amazing coaching and support from my Manager at the time, took part in various training programmes offered by the business and took every opportunity to progress. I think one of the great things about the Watches of Switzerland Group is that they really invest in their people and encourage development and progression within the company.

The move to my current role was an exciting one, and I now manage the Service Delivery Team, who play a key role in the delivery of new and refitted luxury Showrooms and enhancements.

Coming from the Showrooms has been so helpful, and my experience is pulled on each day. The Service Delivery team supports and guides the retail colleagues from the start to the very end of their Showroom’s project and manages the programmes internally to ensure the colleagues are able to continue with their daily roles and focus on clients. I am also lucky enough to be able to give input into how the Showroom works operationally for the colleagues, and feedback on the back-of-house areas, ensuring the space works for the team and is a pleasure to be in. We want our teams to be happy and comfortable in their environment, so they can focus on creating Xenia moments for our clients.

The best part of my job is when that 18-month to two-year project is completed and we hand over the team’s new Showroom, and you see everyone’s faces as they walk into the Showroom and back of house – I’ve seen people cry! Making these Showrooms into beautiful spaces is as much about the team’s welfare as it is about the clients, and those reactions really are what makes my job worth it.”

“During my time within the business, I have been extremely lucky to not only have supported many stores across different regions, but also progressed within the business across two Goldsmiths & Mono Brand Boutiques.

I started as Store Manager for Goldsmiths and within 12 months, I progressed to Deputy Manager in one of our luxury Goldsmiths Rolex showrooms in Leicester. In 2023, I was then promoted to Store Manager in our Mono Brand division for the Breitling Boutique in Leicester.

Watches of Switzerland Group provides endless opportunities within the business to grow, support & develop. Career progression & development is something I look for within a role and in fact it was one of the main reasons I joined WoSG to begin with. The employee development programme for myself has been incredible due to the support from L&D and senior leaders within the business.”

“Three years later in 2016, I joined the group as part time Sales Consultant, which worked well for me as I was also running my own window cleaning business. I was then promoted to Deputy Manager in April 2017 of Watches of Switzerland Cardiff. I sold my window cleaning business and began the new career path.

In 2020 I became the Showroom Manager of Watches of Switzerland in Cardiff.

This was a completely new role for me. I had experience of selling my window cleaning services door-to-door and had observed how the team worked through my time as security guard in the showroom. I noted their great practices and also noted the opportunities I seen for them to reach their goals.

The support from the company is excellent, my Line Manager is a great coach and always talks challenges and opportunities through with me, he has been honest and supportive for the five years I have worked with him. I have been given opportunities to help with new showroom openings incl. Bristol and London - In 2018, I was invited to New York for one month to help train the American team all about WoS and our DNA. ”

“Honestly, the move from Fashion to Luxury Jewellery and Watches has been a learning experience, but the training was a very welcome surprise. During most interviews an employer will always tell you about the training and support you will be given but that doesn't always translate into practice however, with Goldsmiths it really did – the investment into training is 2nd to none.

Communication is always open and encouraged supporting managers and sales consultants, everyone at every level is open & honest, and my line manager as always given me the tools to grow into my role, with guidance that leads to success.

From day 1 I have felt welcomed and supported and without a doubt WoSG is a kind and caring place to work. I have worked in retail for many years, so I understand what it takes to run a business and the expectations to succeed and with WoSG that is still important and worked towards, but the people matter.

Watching the business grow and change is very inspiring to see, even with the current market we are still investing in showrooms and people. I have seen changes to induction process, been involved in the careers site project and had the pleasure of visiting the Head Office, Carlton Park which is the very heart of the business, and every aspect of Carlton Park reflects that. ”