Amazing Starts With: Chelsea

Name: Chelsea

Role: Operations Sales Team Manager

Location: Watford

Time at Camelot: 4+ years

What’s your Camelot story?

I joined Camelot when I was19, after completing my A-levels, I saw an advert for an Operations Sales Executive (OSE), I thought it sounded quite scary at first as I had never done any sales or telephone work before, but a couple of months in I knew Camelot was a place where I would like to develop.

Within a year I became a Senior OSE, completing a12-month development secondment working on projects and supporting the leadership of the team. This enabled me to better understand what I enjoy doing while reacting to the needs of the department.

After 6 months in this development role, I was able to secure a move to the Data and Insight team as the Consumer Closeness Researcher. I have always had a keen interest in people so this role was perfect as it allowed me to explore our Players and Retailers in more depth. It gave me a greater understanding of their views on The National Lottery which was really eye-opening.

A year later, a role became available as a Team Manager back in the OST and I couldn’t resist heading back to my old department to lead a team. That is where I am right now!

What does your current role entail?

I currently lead a team of 10 OSEs who make outbound calls to our independent retailers to ensure our in-store standards programme, Site+Stock+Sell, is being followed. We check scratchcard availability, suggest upselling techniques and offer the retailers support. Day to day it’s all about supporting my team, quality monitoring calls, motivating agents to hit their targets and engaging with stakeholders.

What skills help you succeed in this role?

People Management - the OST is very team orientated and within this role, you need to be approachable and able to communicate and manage all different types of people/personalities. Being able to stay motivated & positive during busy or challenging periods is an absolute must to keep the team driven. Organisation and time efficiency is also key to ensure everything is ready to go each day, so everyone can start dialling as soon as their shift starts at 8am.

Leadership for me is also key - I want to be a leader who inspires people and encourages them to go out of their comfort zones.

What’s the most exciting thing about working at Camelot?

Development opportunities and the people! I have learnt so many new things since being here and challenged myself in ways I didn't think were possible. If you told me when I joined that I would be presenting in front of over 200 students at Manchester University or pretending to be an Olympic athlete on stage during a Sales conference, I would have laughed you out of the building, but now… ANYTHING is possible!

I am excited to see what my next challenge will be and where my career will take me. The people here, especially my own team, make me excited to come to work each day!

What makes you proud to work for Camelot?

For sure it is the amount of money we raise for Good Causes - not many people can say they work for a company that gives on average, £30 million per week to good causes across the UK. It’s great to know that every retailer we call and every little action we take helps to make this happen every day. Also being given volunteer days to go and help out charities such as Dens and The Peace Hospice, just shows how we make a difference to people and help change lives.

If you didn’t work at Camelot, what would be your dream job?

Criminal Psychologist. I love how the human mind works and Psychology was one of my favourite subjects I studied. I often watch criminal documentaries and I am interested in the Law so combining the two would be perfect.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy travelling, in 2018 I visited 7 countries and this year I'm planning to visit Budapest, Thailand, Cape Verde and Dubai. I also enjoy socialising and spend a fair few Friday/Saturday nights on a night out!

Any other interesting facts?

• I used to play Cricket for Radlett girls and have represented Hertfordshire too
• I am fully rifle trained!