Dunnes Trainee Manager

L unknown · 18-09-2011 11:21pm #1

Hey guys,

A friend of mine has an upcoming interview for a trainee manager role in Dunnes Stores. Has anyone any idea what the interview is like and what the job itself is about? What are they like to work for? What are the hours like?
Any feedback would be great!!

Thanks

alanhiggyno1 · 18-09-2011 11:29pm

Ya I have it's basically a glorified shelf stocker with a suit.so that's it really

L unknown · 18-09-2011 11:31pm

Ooookay!!

Did you hold that position yourself?

Delancey · 18-09-2011 11:54pm

Tough job with long lousy hours - initially it is little more than a shelf stacker in a suit.
Having said that I know people who toughed it out and have done very well as store managers.

Starting out is the toughest time I understand but apparently it does get better if you last.

L unknown · 18-09-2011 11:57pm

Thanks for the posts.....
Anyone else with feedback??

19-09-2011 12:18am

I heard they keep increasing the pay year by year

its a job- your friend should defo take it if offered it

Corruptedmorals · 19-09-2011 5:02pm

Dunnes Managers work 50-60 hours a week. 10 hour shifts, sometimes 12 hours+ if someone has rang in sick. Normal managers promoted to deputy store manager are not getting a payrise anymore, there are loads of store managers an deputy store managers on serious money, but it's not happening anymore. Stores are understaffed, in busy stores managers have to be staff as well- do deliveries, be on tills etc. They can be moved around Dublin at will with barely any notice- I have seen this notice be as little as two days, they don't take into account your home address and if you will have a horrible commute. Having worked in Dunnes for 3+ years, I would never be a manager in the place. Staff have far more rights, far less hours, far less pressure and job satisfaction, can't be moved around stores. All managers will be in Cornelscourt Dunnes at some stage- it's like an unofficial training ground.

L unknown · 19-09-2011 5:38pm

Ok hours do seem a bit severe.....
At the same time perhaps the hard work will pay off....you have to start somewhere I suppose and in todays climate there isnt many opportunities.

Has anyone got anything positive to say about the role???!!!

Thanks again for posts I shall pass them along!!

Corruptedmorals · 20-09-2011 1:54pm

In most stores it can be fine, still the long hours though. In some it can be a miserable job- busy stores where there's a LOT of pressure. But they get moved around a good but so you wouldn't be languishing in a horrible one for too long. Not short of hours and I'm pretty sure the pay is good.

leggo · 20-09-2011 2:36pm

The one thing that irked me from pushing for a manager's job there was the fact they can completely uproot you and move you to another store with little to no notice. The rest of the above is also accurate.

The good news? It's a job when little else is available. And it's management on the CV if they don't already have that.

kermitpwee · 20-09-2011 2:44pm

L unknown wrote: »

Ok hours do seem a bit severe.....
At the same time perhaps the hard work will pay off....you have to start somewhere I suppose and in todays climate there isnt many opportunities.

Has anyone got anything positive to say about the role???!!!

Thanks again for posts I shall pass them along!!

You will start off packing the shelves for maybe two days and then a few days on the tills, deli onto out the back checking in deliveries. This way you learn the store, the first 2 years are hard and the hours long and as a trainee you will be in a top 35 store. As a result you will be under a hardcore manager who will take no **** and push you to the last. Most problems in the store will become your problem, has your friend ever worked in retail?
I hated it for the first 6 months as I got constant abuse, then I decided I was going to out work my manger and fix the problems before he found them. I then started to enjoy the role. You will be working every saturday for the first two years.

tenchi-fan · 20-09-2011 4:32pm

They also get moved around from store to store. The conditions sound awful. However, pay is good and it looks great on your cv.

evosteo · 20-09-2011 4:55pm

i worked one time doin maintenance on all the dunnes stores neon signs throughout ireland,

honestly have to say 90+% of the store managers are horrible people to deal with,

serious power buzz they do be on,

trying to get dockets signed = nightmare

they think they are up on some high horse talking down to you,

i just laughed at some of them,

worst one if i recall correctly was in longford,

absolute b*t*h,

all in all dunnes management are very hard people to deal with, they would get blood out of a stone

Staplor · 20-09-2011 5:00pm

I know of a few people all did very well after starting out there.

Oranage2 · 20-09-2011 5:12pm

evosteo wrote: »

i worked one time doin maintenance on all the dunnes stores neon signs throughout ireland,

honestly have to say 90+% of the store managers are horrible people to deal with,

serious power buzz they do be on,

trying to get dockets signed = nightmare

they think they are up on some high horse talking down to you,

i just laughed at some of them,

worst one if i recall correctly was in longford,

absolute b*t*h,

all in all dunnes management are very hard people to deal with, they would get blood out of a stone

I've worked in Dunnes and the avove is very ture -

The managers with avarage to above IQ hate it cause of the stress and constant pressure they're under -

Also I've seen managers constantly been shifted out to anywhere in Leinster when they live in Dublin -

The managers that have been promoted off the floor do be on some serious power buzz -

A jobs a job in the end but a Dunnes manager is a seriously hard job - 50-60 hour weeks, shift work that could be an over night and constantly changing and you have to put up with a more than likely power tripping head manager -

The pay is decent I heard but not really for the hours worked - also its good manager experience

Bannasidhe · 20-09-2011 5:17pm

First cousin was a manager in Dunnes for years, she left to go to Heatons as she was fed up of being moved from store to store at short notice and being called in to cover. Now - she wishes she had stayed as she finds Heatons much tougher to work for.

20-09-2011 5:50pm

A guy I know got a job as a manager, as soon as he started he was asked to cover the night pack shift for three months. Four years later he's still doing it, starting at 5pm and not out until 2 or 3am. He hasn't had a weekend off in that time except for holidays.
It's a tough job and can be really miserable depending on your store manager and the regional manager. Some are sound, some are complete muppets.

mikehunts · 20-09-2011 6:03pm

Sound managers are hard to come by, and i have dealt with quiet a few, they think they can treat people like **** just because they hate their jobs. The power completely changes their personality.

unklerosco · 20-09-2011 6:11pm

evosteo wrote: »

i worked one time doin maintenance on all the dunnes stores neon signs throughout ireland,

honestly have to say 90+% of the store managers are horrible people to deal with,

serious power buzz they do be on,

trying to get dockets signed = nightmare

they think they are up on some high horse talking down to you,

i just laughed at some of them,

worst one if i recall correctly was in longford,

absolute b*t*h,

all in all dunnes management are very hard people to deal with, they would get blood out of a stone

I'd say the exact same myslef, used to do deliveries to dunnes for 2 yrs. 90% of the managers where morons, one in particular was so bad they kept shifting him from store to store when he should have been fired (he gave abuse to everyone, drivers, merchandisers etc. male and female) he got a dig off one of the drivers one day, shut him up for a while..

Being moved around would be a killer, a few of the managers I got on with got moved. One lived in Kimmage, got a job in the Dunnes there but was then moved to Donaghmeade. 5hr commute each day. 2 buses and an hour of walking. One was moved from Clondalkin to Cornelscourt, another from Blanchardstown to Drogheda. They make no consideration as to where you live, they just shift you around... Would do my head in

Delancey · 20-09-2011 6:16pm

An experienced Dunnes worker once told me that the managers who last are the horrible ones - the nice guys get the boot !

mikemac · 20-09-2011 6:32pm

Put some people in a suit and hand them a bit of power and they can't deal with it. Happens in Dunnes, happens in hotels too.
And the best staff and the ones who know better leave or get promoted and the ones who are happy to spend their days roaring at staff and cannot understand motivation and morale stay

OP, if your friend is successful then put the head down and stick it for two years. Two years in the position will be great for the CV and they can stay or leave after that.

Best of luck

evosteo · 20-09-2011 10:03pm

unklerosco wrote: »

I'd say the exact same myslef, used to do deliveries to dunnes for 2 yrs. 90% of the managers where morons, one in particular was so bad they kept shifting him from store to store when he should have been fired (he gave abuse to everyone, drivers, merchandisers etc. male and female) he got a dig off one of the drivers one day, shut him up for a while..

Being moved around would be a killer, a few of the managers I got on with got moved. One lived in Kimmage, got a job in the Dunnes there but was then moved to Donaghmeade. 5hr commute each day. 2 buses and an hour of walking. One was moved from Clondalkin to Cornelscourt, another from Blanchardstown to Drogheda. They make no consideration as to where you live, they just shift you around... Would do my head in

delighted he got a dig, may have knocked him off his horse and brought him down to earth:D

Columbia · 20-09-2011 10:21pm

I've worked in three different Dunnes Stores in 7 or 8 different jobs.

The majority of managers [although I wouldn't go as high as 90%, maybe just my personal experience - I'd say two-thirds] are indeed on a serious power trip. I had a store manager refuse to shake my hand after I was hired in my last job there, and I also once waited to hold a security door open for a manager, and instead of 'thank you' she started whinging at me for wearing the wrong type of black pants.

There are good eggs in there too though, and I find that these are usually quite frustrated with the poor managers they see around them.

My mother has been a manager in Dunnes for a long, long time also, and she seems perfectly satisfied in her job. It wouldn't appeal to me, but it seems to be a good fit for some. She works 40-hour weeks most of the year, but in the run-up to Christmas can be doing 60 or 70.

gerrycollins · 21-09-2011 12:14pm

I was a Dunnes manager for 4 years. best time of my life but only if you are single and have a car.

its the best training in the business and Dunnes managers are very sought after in other areas of retail.

Yes we were little feckers but we had a job to do and it was expected of us to do above and beyond the call of the role to susceed. a little motto was to "do what thad to be done to achieve the target,no matter what"

Barnsleyfc · 21-09-2011 9:19pm

The problem with Dunnes managers is that they're all wound up over minor matters,like a position of a price-tag,missing name badge,while people get away with doing much worse which goes over their head.Also you can bend over backwards for them,but expect nothing back as a previous poster said about a Manager giving out to him for the wrong colour pants.Moreover if you have any hobbies with a set time eg GAA,soccer team,forget it! as hours are totally unpredictable and even if you get someone to swap with you with no hassle to them,you're the devil.
On the plus side they do pay well,the social life is good with staff but be prepared not to be able to plan your life and they think they'e the FBI,one of my managers got asked to leave or stop immediately simply for getting with a staff member on nights out a few times.At the end of the day it's a well-paying job in tough times so it's not all bad.

Ardennes1944 · 21-09-2011 9:24pm

Deleted User wrote: »

A guy I know got a job as a manager, as soon as he started he was asked to cover the night pack shift for three months. Four years later he's still doing it, starting at 5pm and not out until 2 or 3am. He hasn't had a weekend off in that time except for holidays.
It's a tough job and can be really miserable depending on your store manager and the regional manager. Some are sound, some are complete muppets.

franky?

Corruptedmorals · 22-09-2011 12:10pm

Barnsleyfc wrote: »

The problem with Dunnes managers is that they're all wound up over minor matters,like a position of a price-tag,missing name badge,while people get away with doing much worse which goes over their head.Also you can bend over backwards for them,but expect nothing back as a previous poster said about a Manager giving out to him for the wrong colour pants.Moreover if you have any hobbies with a set time eg GAA,soccer team,forget it! as hours are totally unpredictable and even if you get someone to swap with you with no hassle to them,you're the devil.
On the plus side they do pay well,the social life is good with staff but be prepared not to be able to plan your life and they think they'e the FBI,one of my managers got asked to leave or stop immediately simply for getting with a staff member on nights out a few times.At the end of the day it's a well-paying job in tough times so it's not all bad.

On that last point...it's not allowed. I've seen 3 or 4 managers moved for this sort of thing. In general, being too close to staff is discouraged.

ALBUR182 · 02-10-2011 9:54pm

Corruptedmorals wrote: »

On that last point...it's not allowed. I've seen 3 or 4 managers moved for this sort of thing. In general, being too close to staff is discouraged.

I'm marrying a girl I met in Dunne's who I moonlighted with while I was a manager with them. Never had an issue with the store or other managers, while it was happening. They just turned their back and said nothing

tsoparno · 02-10-2011 10:06pm

hope the there's dunnes managers reading this. just remember you can get your job done without being a complete c##t

evosteo · 03-10-2011 2:58pm

tsoparno wrote: »

hope the there's dunnes managers reading this. just remember you can get your job done without being a complete c##t

here here:)

Craigels · 03-10-2011 4:51pm

Go To Penneys Honestly There Ten Times Better To Work For. Trainee Management is 35000 a year and the career progression is endless if your up for it....

datimpson14 · 14-10-2011 10:14pm

L unknown wrote: »

Hey guys,

A friend of mine has an upcoming interview for a trainee manager role in Dunnes Stores. Has anyone any idea what the interview is like and what the job itself is about? What are they like to work for? What are the hours like?
Any feedback would be great!!

Thanks

so did he get the job??

Flippa · 21-10-2011 4:06pm

Did your friend have any luck? I have a second interview with Dunne Stores for a trainee managers position, Im looking for some tips!

Fago! · 02-12-2011 12:31am

Sorry to bump a zombie thread but anyone know what a regular manager, and the big store manager earns?

Shobei_ · 30-01-2012 3:11pm

I have worked in Dunnes for the last few years through school and college, the staff are great and the place would be really enjoyable to work in if half the managers that came into the shop had training proper communication. A lot of the management are complete scumbags that treat staff like idiots. Its like school sometimes. The genuine people that start as trainee's normally dont last long, or else just eventually give in and start abusing their position. You have to just kiss arse if you wanna move up the mangerial ranks in Dunnes. A lot of the managers seem as though they ended in the position because they failed to anything else with themselves. New contracts mean managers can be moved anywhere in Ireland, recently had a guy who was moved from wexford to dublin, having to move house and everything. You need no training just walk in off the street, buy a suit in the drapery on the way in and your free to live your miserable life wearing a suit organising chocolate bars.... They work ridiculous hours. You wont have enough staff to get the job done but they still expect miracles. The store manager works every Thursday 8 - 8. Plus weekends and the rest. Dont get me wrong there are some sound managers that speak to you like a normal person but 80% are just trying there hardest to impress whoevers above them. Drapery management doesnt seem as bad, avoid grocery!

Craigels · 10-04-2012 2:19pm

Kerry2012 wrote: »

Hey folks,

I know this thread hasn't been used for in awhile, but just wondering has anyone experience as a trainee manager with Penneys?:rolleyes: Have an interview coming up soon and would love any info or advice about the job. Thanks

hey there i work for penneys so i can help you out a bit

the way the interview is done is you will be asked a number of questions about certain situations and you will be asked to give an answer based on something you have Experienced before with examples. Be sure to answer with the STAR format situation task action result yet get marked for each of these so be sure to use it!

The job is i think a very good job to have and the progression Opportunities are endless how far you go up the ladder is totally down to you i know people who have worked as sales staff and within 5 years or less been promoted to assistant store managers, managing flagship stores abroad.
The money is 31500 pa for full time trainee manager and normal working hours would be half 8 to half 6 working late nights and bank holidays when needed.
Its mayhem all the time with regard to customers but you get used to it very quick
If you have any questions i will answer them if i can hope i helped you some bit and dont be worried about the interview its not really that bad as long as your professional and speak well.

Craigels · 12-04-2012 8:58pm

Kerry2012 wrote: »

Craigels - Thanks for your rely. I had my interview and went well thank god.:D Meeting store manager tomorrow about a weekend position, so if you could tell me a bit about the life of a weekend manager I would be very grateful to you?

I sent you a pm there...

A weekend manager is paid weekly rather than monthly you get a hourly rate rather than yearly Salary... Generally a weekend manager works every Thursday Friday Saturday and Sunday including all bank Holidays though this can vary at times and you may work any days of the week as required.

To be honest i would go for a full time position rather than a weekend position if its available as you do practically the same work as a full time manager and get paid less. I can give you more info from my Experience if you pm me.

Any questions just ask good luck with you next meeting.

phoenix999 · 13-04-2012 1:36pm

My brother works as goods inwards manager with Dunnes and has been with them 15 years. Starts at 4.30am every morning and finishes at 3pm. Does a 60 hour week (I thought anything over 48 was illegal). He suffers high blood pressure and cholesterol. Recipe for a heart attack if you ask me. He earns about 45000 gross. Not a great employer. And has never been rewarded for his excellent performance reviews.

Corruptedmorals · 13-04-2012 5:31pm

All Dunnes managers work 60 hours or more, salary remains the same. Goods in managers are more active than any other and are constantly helping lifting boxes, pulling huge pallets behind them etc. That would put a strain on someone whose health isn't the best but should keep a fit person healthier tbh. He can request a transfer to a different Dunnes, a smaller quieter one if that would help. Unfortunately goods in managers tend to stay in the same position, once trained they won't move you. In the first Dunnes I worked in, the manager had been there for 10 years. No other manager laster more than 3 years in the store total, and plenty of those had their departments switched while they were there.

Boofle · 16-04-2012 3:33pm

evosteo wrote: »

i worked one time doin maintenance on all the dunnes stores neon signs throughout ireland,

honestly have to say 90+% of the store managers are horrible people to deal with,

serious power buzz they do be on,

trying to get dockets signed = nightmare

they think they are up on some high horse talking down to you,

i just laughed at some of them,

worst one if i recall correctly was in longford,

absolute b*t*h,

all in all dunnes management are very hard people to deal with, they would get blood out of a stone

This is so so true!

I worked full time in Dunnes straight after school for a year and I then worked in another Dunnes part time while I was in college. At least 90% of the managers are just out to make the employees lives a misery. I could write a book about how sh*t they are to work for :eek: One example is: My cousin was getting married and I asked for a Saturday off to attend (I hadn't had one off since starting there 8 months earlier). My request was refused. I was disappointed but went to work as normal on the Saturday.

The HR manager came in after the weekend and noticed I had my hair in a different syle than usual and frog marched me into the office. She then proceeded to quiz me as to why my hair was wavy instead of straight . . . .I told her I didn't have time to blow dry it that morning (even though I really shouldn't have had to explain!!) and she then proceeded to threaten me that if she found out that I went to the wedding she would "kill me" . . . . while leaning right into my face and eyeballing me!! Horrendous! I plucked up the courage to tell the store manager and he made her apologise

The manager who said this to me was just a nasty miserable woman; perhaps the conditions they have to work are difficult etc but seriously do they have to speak down to all the staff in such a condescending manner - as previous posters have pointed out most of them are on a major power trip.

My only saving grace in Dunnes was some of the lovely older staff memnbers who saw all these dreadful people/managers walk in to these jobs year in year out and who treat everyone like something they trod on. They were great support to myself and the other younger staff because frankly we were afraid of most of the managers. The nice ones don't last; only the nasty ones. One nice manager had handed in his notice and on his last week there he told us he couldn't wait to go and the Dunnes want you to have Dunnes blood running through your veins!!

I wouldn't recommend working there. Go to Penneys, my friend is a deparmtent manager there an although the hours are long at least the company treats them with a bit of respect and they don't feel the need to take out their anger and misery on the staff.

Delancey · 16-04-2012 11:45pm

That the ' nice ' managers don't last in Dunnes and only the nasty ones remain seems to be a fairly constant theme - Dunnes has never had a good reputation as an employer.

Corruptedmorals · 17-04-2012 12:28pm

I've had several nice ones. They tend to not be respected by store management and they get moved around more. Plenty others start off nice but become at least somewhat hardened..depends on how stressful the store is.

Dunnes Trainee Manager

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