#MySkillsStory: Charley

As a leading tech employer in the East we want to showcase some of the diverse roles and routes into tech. Today we meet Strategic Partnerships Team Leader, Charley Parker.

What is your role at Epos Now and what does that involve?

My Role within Epos Now is the Strategic Partnerships Team Manager. I work closely with the Business Development team to onboard New Resellers, Partners and their end users. My team take full accountability of any onboarding that is required and helping the Business Development team to ensure that Partners agreements are kept and processes are built. As the channel is new it’s my role to ensure that things go smoothly and we invest time in continuous improvement.

What previous education/work experience helped hone your skills to get you where you are now?

I have no previous education in the field other than my journey at Epos Now, actually education wise I am a trained Bricklayer! I am currently undergoing my Level 3 ILM which has helped me to become a better manager and coach. Before Epos Now I worked in sales at various companies including retail and telesales.

Being able to sell is an advantage however, I believe it’s passion, positivity and persistence that has really helped me get to where I am. I knew from the minute I walked through the door at Epos Now that this was where I wanted to build a career and have made it my sole aim. I have worked my way up from Implementation Advisor to Supervisor, To Welcome Manager then to Strategic Partnerships Manager. My next goal is to be Strategic Partnerships Head of Department.

Have you picked up any new skills in your role?

So many! I have learned how to build and digest data, negotiation skills, communication and presentation skills. I’ve never been one of the most confident people, however, since being in this role I have picked up ways to improve and present. This has been the most self-developing role for and I believe even the short time I have been doing it, my confidence has improved drastically! I find dressing for the day you want also helps.

What skill is most critical and why?

Being able to communicate. As this department is so new and there are so many different things happening it is vital that not only do we communicate together as a team but outside of the building with other departments. It allows people to really understand and get behind everything you are doing. It ensures everyone to have similar goals and makes things 100% easier in the long run!

Can you offer any advice to someone starting out?

As cliché as it sounds, my advice is to not stop dreaming. If you have goals that you want to achieve however big or small don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t reach them. Having dreams and aspirations is something that no one can take away from you. Sit and write down your goals and set yourself dates for completion. Revisit them regularly so you never lose sight of what you want to happen.

If you would like more information on the #MySkillsStory movement, check out City and Guilds. If you'd like to see if your skills are a good fit for the roles we have, check out the Epos Now career page.