Hello Jonathan, can you tell us more about your educational background ?
My background is in business studies since, after an economics and social sciences baccalaureate, I went to Orleans business school. As part of my course, I studied in the UK for a year (in Stoke-on-Trent), and I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business.
I then decided to sit the entrance exams for some postgraduate business schools, and I was fortunate enough to be offered a place at Grenoble School of Management, where I studied for another two years before graduating in 2007.
How long have you been with the Group ?
J.T. : I started on 7 February 2005, so including my internship it will be 13 years this year! I initially joined the group on an internship focusing on sales development at the Meung-sur-Loire branch in the Centre-Val de Loire region. After two months, I was transferred to Orleans to manage the recruitment for a major client, a telesales company.
As I wanted to go back to university to continue my education, Mr Gobinet offered me the opportunity to stay with Partnaire as a degree apprentice while I was studying at Grenoble. I spent two years setting up a new Partnaire branch in Rambouillet, in the Greater Paris region.
At the end of my two-year apprenticeship, I signed a permanent contract with the company and I’ve been here ever since!
What does your job involve ?
J.T. : I have two roles at the moment.
The first one is just getting started: I’m International Development Manager. I assist our branches in Poland with sales, and work to create synergies between our respective clients.
My second role takes up the majority of my time: I’m area manager for the Greater Paris region. That mainly involves managing the teams in the branches and developing the business. I communicate the group’s policies to the branches and help resolve any issues that arise, with clients, temporary staff, the branch teams, etc.
What qualities do you need in your job ?
J.T. : One of the vital qualities that I need to succeed in my role is empathy. Every day we are in contact with a population of temps who may encounter problems, and who expect us to understand what they’re experiencing and to offer solutions. In the same way, it’s important to listen to the teams in our branches and deal with issues before they become significant so that the branches can achieve the best possible results.
Lastly, I feel the sales approach is very important. If you want to retain a client long-term, knowing how to close a sale is not enough. You also have to build a solid relationship so that they stay with you.
Which Partnaire value would you say best represents you ?
J.T. : I would say responsiveness is the value that represents me best. I’m a bit hyperactive really - I like it when things are hectic and there’s lots going on. In our sector, and in the job market in general, responsiveness is absolutely vital.
Applicants won’t hang around, nor will the clients. Whether you’re looking to close a sale or employ the best candidates, you have to be quick off the mark!
What are the best things about working for Partnaire ?
J.T. : The first thing is the way the management team trusts the staff. We’re very fortunate in that the bosses leave us plenty of latitude in the way we do our jobs, how we manage our staff and how we develop the business.
The second thing is the prompt decision-making. Working for a company with a short decision chain is a real advantage. It makes things easier for me day to day, because I can go back to my clients and my teams with answers almost immediately.
The third thing is the working atmosphere. We are lucky to belong to such a close-knit group, which is such a pleasant place to work. The staff are young and dynamic, and there’s a great working atmosphere.
How do you see your future within the group ?
J.T. : Much as I love my region (the Greater Paris area), I see myself going abroad to develop the group internationally.
Last word : We know you like to go to the gym. Can you give us some tips on keeping fit ?
J.T. : Yes, indeed. My job is really quite sedentary (because I spend most of my time either behind a desk or behind the wheel of a car), so working out is the perfect way to burn off some energy at the end of the day.
I can’t really give you a specific exercise plan, but I would say that if you want to get fit a healthy lifestyle is vital: get plenty of sleep, steer clear of alcohol and eat a balanced diet.