As VodafoneThree brings more than 400 customer contact jobs back to the UK, Vodafone UK News speaks to three current employees who are already making a positive impact on the company and its customers.
VodafoneThree’s recent announcement marks the biggest single recruitment intake for both Vodafone UK and Three UK brands – both prior to, and since, the merger.
The roles will help Vodafone and Three provide specialist care and sales support to its customers, with 200 of the new staff based in Belfast and the other 200 calling Sheffield home.
These new recruits will join more than 7,000 existing Vodafone customer contact specialists who are based in the company’s Stoke Centre of Excellence and Glasgow office, alongside a growing number of Three specialists across the UK.
This cohort includes Cayleigh, Katie and Olawale – all of whom have their own individual stories to tell about life at Vodafone.
Life at Vodafone: Laura – Head of Contact Centre Sales, Consumer
Laura is Head of Contact Centre Sales for Consumer Operations, but her Vodafone story actually started more than 20 years prior as a part-time sales agent in the retail department.
Laura is Head of Contact Centre Sales for Consumer Operations, but her Vodafone story actually started more than 20 years prior as a part-time sales agent in the retail department.
“I began my career with Vodafone while studying at university,” she explains. “Having heard from existing employees about the company’s excellent reputation, I was eager to join when a part-time opportunity became available in the area I was moving to.”
After progressing to store manager – winning store of the year after just 11 months of taking over her second store – she was then named Store Manager of an elite store, before becoming Regional Manager of the North Division – the largest region in company.
VodafoneThree brings customer facing jobs back to the UK
VodafoneThree has announced it is bringing 400 customer contact jobs back to the UK, marking the biggest recruitment drive for VodafoneThree brands both prior to, and since, the merger.
A move from retail into the contact centre channel followed as Laura took on the role of In-House Lead. Here, she embraced the challenge of growth, expanding from 140 agents to approximately 600 and overseeing national award wins for both leadership and culture.
Today, she oversees the performance of more than 1,500 people, all while balancing the joys and challenges that come with raising two children.
“A particular highlight has been the opportunity to lead and deliver through outstanding teams, helping individuals realise their potential and fostering a culture we can all be proud of.
“This culture has been recognised across the industry through the awards we’ve achieved, which is a testament to the collective effort and commitment of our teams.”
Life at Vodafone: Katie – Sales Team Manager
After 15 years at O2, Katie had stepped away from employment to have her son and rediscover her love of athletics – representing Great Britain in the process.
After 15 years at O2, Katie had stepped away from employment to have her son and rediscover her love of athletics – representing Great Britain in the process.
Though now officially “retired” from elite competition, the experience reminded her just how much she thrived in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.
“Although my career has taken me on a varied journey,” says Katie, “my passion has always remained firmly rooted in telecommunications.
“I love the energy of the industry – the pace, the innovation, and empowering customers through technology.”
Now, as a Sales Team Manager at Vodafone, Katie has the opportunity to make a real difference by working with the people around her.
“Supporting talent, shaping future leaders and creating a culture where everyone can be their best – that’s what drives me. And that’s why I’m proud to continue my journey here.”
Life at Vodafone: Olawale Akolade – Sales Team Manager
For Olawale – or Wally to his colleagues – the journey to Vodafone began long before he ever imagined working in telecoms.
For Olawale – or Wally to his colleagues – the journey to Vodafone began long before he ever imagined working in telecoms.
“I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria,” he says, “surrounded by energy, movement and possibility. And, from a young age, I was the person that people brought their problems to.”
Whether it was a laptop that wouldn’t turn on, a phone in need of repair or a website to build, Wally was the one to fix it.
“I didn’t see these as chores, however – I saw them as puzzles. Every problem taught me something new, and every solution sparked my curiosity even more.”
That early passion pushed Wally towards various programmes and opportunities, all with a common thread: technology.
“I didn’t just love technology, I loved how it helped people. I carried that mindset with me when I moved to the UK and, eventually, began looking for a place where my skills could grow and I could make a real impact.”
That place was Vodafone, where he now works as a Team Manager, supporting frontline sales and helping to shape performance, development and customer outcomes.
“From a boy in Lagos, learning to fix his first laptop, to a Team Manager helping to drive digital transformation on the floor – it’s been a journey shaped by curiosity, growth and a genuine desire to make things better.
“And this is only the beginning,” he says.
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This stories are only a small part of the wider investment that VodafoneThree is making across the UK, following the merger between Vodafone UK and Three UK.
As part of its mission to build the UK’s best network, around 9,000 engineering, construction and maintenance jobs will also be created.
This figure will rise to 13,000 during peak build years of the company’s £11 billion investment commitment, which is set to boost connectivity and economies in every corner of the UK.
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