Darren Clements
Melksham
Store Manager
Length of service
7 years (2024)
What would you say to someone thinking of applying for a role at Leekes?
“Join the journey that Leekes is on. In Melksham we have a diverse team and we value different perspectives and experiences of individuals that contribute positively towards the store’s success. Each team member matters to me.”
Why did you choose to work for Leekes?
An opportunity opened up for the role of Installations Unit Manager. With my experience of flooring, kitchens and project work it was right up my street. Also, working with a family owned and managed business was a real positive.
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
The difference between each day is really enjoyable – dealing with different customers, team members, support team members and different projects happening across the store keeps me on my toes daily. Seeing the difference I can make by spending time with my team in their approach to customers and tasks is really rewarding. Seeing growth in the individual store team members is such a bonus, too.
What’s your biggest achievement to date working for Leekes?
I guess being store of the year 4 times in the last 5 years is a good achievement. Also, building a strong committed management team in store and a fantastic team of people on the sales floor and back up areas that keep the store running seamlessly. We truly have a great team of people in Melksham!
How has your role developed over time?
Starting as a Unit Manager and working with some really super people to get to understand the role of UM and the company set me up for the opportunity to apply for the role of Store Manager at Melksham. With the support of the Unit Managers in store and senior managers at Head Office it’s been an interesting experience with the challenging times that the pandemic brought and since it caused me to develop my business skills and people management skills and I feel a more rounded individual now.