Sarah Dover has been appointed operations manager at intu Metrocentre, Europe’s largest retail and leisure destination.
Sarah, 33, was born and raised in Cumbria but moved to the north east where she studied at Newcastle College and gained qualifications in Human Resources and Leadership and Management.
After her first job in the travel industry, Sarah realised that she enjoyed working in a customer facing environment. Sarah joined intu Metrocentre in 2006, working in the administration department, and since then has enjoyed numerous promotions including taking on the role of customer services coordinator, followed by guest services manager.
“My new role as operations manager involves taking responsibility for full operational management of the centre including security, technical services, guest services and environmental services. It involves driving the team to achieve key objectives and I also have new responsibilities for health and safety training,” Sarah explains.
“Shopping Centres and Facility Management is an ever changing industry which really encourages creativity – you always have to be looking at ways to improve and create efficiencies and innovation is key.
“intu Metrocentre is a lovely environment to work in – we’re always striving to constantly improve and help each other. I’ve got so much confidence in my team and we’re really looking forward to the year ahead.”
Sarah now lives in Whickham and when she isn’t hard at work she enjoys spending her free time with 1 year old daughter. She also has a passion for travel, inspired by her first job, and is keen to visit as many new countries as possible.
“Borneo is definitely on my list of dream destinations” she revealed, ”I’ve always wanted to see the orangutans.”
Gavin Prior, regional centre director of intu Metrocentre, added:
“At intu our aim is to create a world class experience for our guests and our operations managers are key to leading our in house teams to deliver this level of customer service.
“Sarah is perfectly suited to the role of operations manager – she’s passionate about maintaining high standards and achieving targets and her enthusiasm for the retail industry really shines through.
“Her sense of teamwork is also second to none which fosters strong working relationships and draws the best out of her team.”