Our Stories

"I started my career with the Watches of Switzerland Group in May 2002 at Goldsmiths in Exeter as a Sales Consultant. I had just left school and was looking for a temporary role; I never imagined I would be lucky enough to find something I loved so much as my first job!

I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and talk with a wide variety of clients and to learn about the jewellery and watch products, there were so many opportunities to study and develop new skills. As a bonus, I met a fabulous team of people, some of whom I am still in touch with over 20 years later. This has been the case in every showroom that I've worked in since, the people have always been wonderful, it has made for a very happy career.

I left Goldsmiths after a year, but very much hoped I would be able to return. When an opportunity came up two years later at the same showroom, I re-joined the Exeter team as a Supervisor - that was on 1st July 2005 and this month I have celebrated my 19-year anniversary with WoSG!

Over the next nine years I worked in various Goldsmiths’ locations, including Exeter and Torquay and then in Goldsmiths Bristol Cribbs Causeway as a Supervisor, then as an Assistant Manager, and then with Goldsmiths Bristol Cabot Circus as Deputy Manager. During this time, I worked on several different projects, such as assisting with the re-openings of Goldsmiths showrooms and regional Aftersales projects. It was an exciting time for the Group, as we incorporated Mappin and Webb and Watches of Switzerland, and I enjoyed the varied and interesting nature of the roles available. I learned so much during my time at Goldsmiths and it was the best start possible for my move to London.

When the opportunity arose to join the opening team for 155 Regent Street, I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of such an exciting project. I was fortunate to be offered a role as Sales Floor Executive and joined the team in April 2014. After a year in Regent Street, the role of Rolex Boutique Manager became available. I had been very passionate about the Rolex brand but I had been nervous to ever apply for such a role.  However, I took a chance, and was successful! I've now been in the role for 9 years and loved every minute. 

My role at 155 Regent Street has been the highlight of my career so far, it has been challenging and fascinating, and has developed me both professionally and personally. Most of all, I have had the fortune of working with a brilliant team. Also, with some inspiring leaders, such as Gemma Gilmour, Deputy Showroom Director at 155 Regent Street. Gemma has been my mentor and friend for the last 4 years and I'm so grateful for her support and guidance. Leaders like her can make such a difference!

I am now about to move into the role of Deputy Showroom Director for the new Rolex Boutique on Old Bond Street. This is a dream come true for me in my career and I feel very privileged to be taking on such an opportunity. I am very excited for the months ahead and can't wait to open our new Flagship Rolex showroom. Our goal is to be the finest Rolex showroom in the world, and with WoSG and the team behind us, I have every confidence in our success.

My advice for anyone looking to develop their career in the watch/jewellery retail industry, is to be prepared to work hard! It's physically and emotionally demanding, but it's so rewarding too. You will meet the best people, learn from them, and probably make lifelong friendships as a result. Most importantly of all, approach it with kindness. I think that kindness is the best quality anyone can bring to a role. You will meet so many people to extend this to and can make a real difference to someone's day, be it a client or a colleague. That is a special privilege and responsibility."

I joined the Watches of Switzerland Group exactly 5 years ago after being medically discharged from the army. I started as a maintenance technician at Goldsmiths in Middlesbrough where I worked alongside my work colleague and friend.

A few months after joining WoSG, I was put forward to be the first person in our company to attend a training course with Rolex which was named the “Rolex After Sales Service Watchmaker Training programme”. This course was designed to train someone (like myself) with little to no knowledge of repairing watches and transition them into a fully certified Watchmaker. In order to attend this course I had to relocate to Kent for the duration of the course which was estimated to be 16 months but unfortunately due to the covid pandemic, it was extended.

During this time I underwent training that involved micro-mechanics, quartz, and mechanical services, similar to the Watches of Switzerland Training and Education Programme (WOSTEP). I completed the course and passed my exam and became an official Level 30 Rolex Accredited Watchmaker.

Now I’m located at the National Watch Service Centre in Manchester where I contribute to the production of our watch repairs and wait eagerly for further training to become level 40 and above accredited watchmaker or develop my knowledge with other luxury brands. At the National Watch Service Centre we all work as a team and for me personally I believe the support we all give to each other is what makes our team special.

A little fun fact about me: I like to go for runs in my free time. I recently completed the Manchester half marathon in October 2023 and will be attending the 2024 Manchester marathon to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s society.

“I started my journey in Hallmark as a Claims Consultant, then I had the opportunity to step into the High-Net-Worth Team dealing with high value claims & confidential matters. After 7 years with Hallmark I applied to become a HR Assistant in the People Team. I had no experience in HR previously, however I knew that I had a passion for supporting people within the business and I could work in a fast-paced environment dealing with confidential matters. I really enjoyed this role and loved speaking to retail and support colleagues on a daily basis.

Following another successful 7 years with WoSG in the People Team, I built some great working relationships with many colleagues within retail and support. But I had always had interest in becoming a personal assistant, I just wasn’t sure how to make the next step.

It wasn’t until a temporary MAT cover position became available within the business as Heath Waller’s (Retail Director for Goldsmiths & UK Operations) Personal Assistant that a new opportunity came my way…Heath mentioned about me covering his current PA, Stacey Alexander whilst she was on Maternity leave. This was a great opportunity for me because of my interest in becoming a Personal Assistant and this also meant I could gain even more experience within the Watches of Switzerland Group.

Whilst being in this role, I learnt so much about the business and becoming a PA. I am very grateful that Heath gave me an opportunity to learn something new. I have now developed new skills and knowledge of a different side to the business.

Following Stacey Alexander’s return from Maternity, I am so pleased to say that I am now Eric Macaire’s (Executive Director, Global Buying and Merchandising) Personal Assistant. I am in the early stages of this role; however, I can already see how much more I am going to learn, and I am looking forward to working with the Buying & Merchandising Teams in the UK and US.

If I could tell my 21-year-old self-working in Hallmark, that I would become a Personal Assistant to an Executive Director, Global Buying & Merchandising – I wouldn’t have believed it. But here I am and feeling positive about my WoSG future.

My top tip which was advice given to me was to “have the conversation”, as this is how I got to where I am now.

Get to know people, work hard, enjoy what you do, and you can achieve great things.”

"I joined the group back in 2019 in the role of National Sales Manager, overseeing our 18 Regional Showrooms all with Rolex agencies.

The role I’d left was as a Regional Manager for Debenhams so the move to this industry was a bold one as I knew nothing about watches and jewellery, but I liked the idea of working within a luxury environment. The concept of working with luxury products & working for a business that was really focused around Client Experience was something I was keen to try. I’d only ever previously worked within the Fashion Retail Industry, working for fast paced businesses such as Selfridges and Topshop so it felt like a real step change in my career.

Within my five years in the business, I’ve had two promotions, starting with a region of 18 showrooms as an NSM, then progressed into a Head of Retail role where I picked up the rest of the Goldsmiths estate back in May last year and then in April this year as part of a Retail restructure, I now have an additional 40 Mono Brand Showrooms under my remit, with a team of five Regional Directors reporting into me.  

Within the five years at WoSG I have seen so much positive change within the business and been fortunate enough to be involved in a number of big projects which have helped our business continue to evolve.

Something people may not know about the role I do or the roles I’ve done and one of the best parts is the Client Entertaining we do, and equally the Corporate Hospitality we have been a part of. I have been lucky enough to attend some incredible sporting events with some of our brand partners over the years including The Olympics, Royal Ascot, The Laver Cup, Wimbledon and The Open at The Royal Liverpool Golf Course. As well as entertaining 100’s clients across the UK in some of the most prestigious and interesting venues ranging from Chatsworth House to under the Concorde in The Hangar at Manchester Airport! 

The highlight of my career journey so far has to be seeing some of the major renovation projects we've done across the estate. If you look at the showrooms we have opened in the likes of Trafford Centre, Liverpool and Birmingham - they are just stunning and a real elevation of anything vs the competition. We have recruited incredible teams and the client feedback we receive from these showrooms is always so positive.

The best thing about this business is definitely the people I get to work with. We have the most talented teams I have ever had the pleasure of working amongst, all whom have one thing in common and that's their ability to connect with people. Whether it be brand relationships, client relationships or team collaboration, they all have a talent for making great connections. 

If someone was looking for advice around making the next step in their career, I'd simply suggest you really question what is driving your motivation and what are your key strengths that you want to play on. I could only ever do a job I loved, and I felt a real sense of purpose for. This business offers me everything I love about a role; the ability to work with brands I love, people whom I admire and have great relationships with and working for a business whose purpose and values align with my own.

I come to work every day knowing I am going to feel stretched and challenged which drives my motivation & fulfils my professional desires. I have a young daughter who I am keen to show how you can be successful in your career whilst balancing the responsibility of being a good Mother too!!"

“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. ”

“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. ”

Can you tell us about your career so far at the WoSG?

“I joined the Watches of Switzerland Group as Head of Reward & Employee Incentive in June 2023.
I was initially contacted about the role here in November 2023 - I’d heard of WoSG, as one of my former Finance colleagues had moved over from Boots in 2020 but didn’t know anything about the company – I thought it was just a random watchmaker based in Leicester. I had a call with Phillipa - our HR Director, and I instinctively knew that if I was going to move, then it has to be to WoSG.”

What would you say is a highlight of your role?

“Since joining, I have experienced the dynamics of different locations; showrooms, watch service centres & jewellery workshops – it’s always a highlight listening to such diverse career journeys, sharing the personal & emotional stories of clients and how we have brought joy to so many lives and created memories that will be shared for generations.”

What advice would you give to someone who is looking for their next career step?

“I would say to someone looking for the next step in their career, find a sponsor/mentor outside of your immediate function who will coach and champion you and can look at your skills holistically. They will see something in you that you won’t recognise in yourself. I qualified as an Accountant in 2015 (aged 40 – never too old to retrain!),”

What is your motivation in your role?

“To quote C.S. Lewis “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching”. I have a strong moral compass, and being trusted to make the right decision really matters.”

“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.”

After a successful couple of years the opportunity arose for me to join the Goldsmiths Flagship showroom as their deputy manager, my passion for the brands and my team grew as did my career path, 2 years in Goldsmith Canary Wharf, then back to Lakeside to open and manage the first Tag Heuer Mono Boutique.

Then the opportunity arose to move to the Goldsmiths Lakeside Flagship showroom as manager.

I was proud of all my achievements to date, but never in a million years did I think that I would be honoured again and felt very humble to receive Manager of the year for the company a second time . I had many successful years in Lakeside, and this is where I thought my career would end, as I supported most of the regional showrooms and loved inducting new managers onto the company.

After 16 amazing years, I was told about a new venture happening in the city of London with Watches of Switzerland and the opportunity to work with some fantastic brands and people, this became a dream that I never thought off, so I said my goodbyes to Lakeside and headed into the city not knowing that covid and a lockdown was just around the corner, but this never stopped us as we recruited and trained a new team.

Broadgate has now been open since Dec 2020, it is a beautiful showroom by Liverpool Street station , the development around the showroom and Broadgate circle has made it known as “ the heartbeat of the city” and we are so excited to be a part of this. I love hosting the clients and brands that we have in our upstairs bar and event area. We are a family that is looking for new colleagues to join us and work with not only amazing brands but to have a career with a company, that you will feel valued and respected in.

“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.”

“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. ”