Meet the Team – Polly

Introducing Meet the Team, where we’ll spotlight the extraordinary people that make Bayley & Sage so special. This month’s feature is on Polly, who was recently promoted to our first-ever Area Manager! She started working for Bayley & Sage over 10 years ago and has worked her way up to where she is now. Read the full interview with Polly below.

1. How long have you been working at Bayley & Sage and what different roles have you held within the company?

I joined the company in 2010 and my first role was in the kitchen as a sandwich/salad maker. Then I worked on the shop floor and worked my way up to a cashier, shift leader and finally a store manager. During my time as a store manager I have managed four different stores within the company. A month ago I was promoted to area manager, which involves supervising three stores, their managers and the teams that work in them. 

2. What’s your favourite thing about working at Bayley & Sage?

The company feels like a big family with a diverse staff. And as long as you work hard, you will get noticed and rewarded.

3. Who has inspired you the most throughout your career?

Daniel, our operations manager, has inspired me the most. Similar to me, Daniel worked his way up from the bottom. He also comes from the same background as me (Brazilian).

4. Have you always worked in this industry? If not, what other types of roles have you held?

Back in Brazil, I worked in various roles such as working for the council, as a typist, in clothes stores and in nurseries. Bayley & Sage was the first food retail company I worked for.

5. What’s the best advice you could give someone who’s just starting out in their career?

Work hard, enjoy the process and you will get rewarded.

6. What are some of the accomplishments you’re most proud of?

I came from Brazil at the age of 31 without speaking any English, and am incredibly proud of how I adjusted to a new culture . I’m also proud of working my way up from the bottom at Bayley & Sage.

7. What are you most looking forward to this year, both personally and professionally?

I’m looking forward to my new role and making a difference within the company. I want to help the store managers with my experience and create a happy environment within the stores.

8. If you could only eat one thing from Bayley & Sage for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

Chicken Katsu – it is delicious.

9. How do you spend your time when you’re not at Bayley & Sage?

I enjoy cooking, watching TV and spending time with my partner and my French bulldog, Bear.

10. What’s one interesting fact that we might not know about you?

I have a degree in Biology and am qualified as a teacher.