3rd September 2025

Leading with Purpose, Passion, and People at Vodafone

Jenny Hayes
Head of Consumer Sales

When I first considered joining Vodafone, it was a conversation with a friend already working here that really sparked my interest. She spoke so positively about the culture, flexible working, diversity, innovation, and it resonated deeply with where I was in life. My children were young, I was ambitious, and I wanted to grow my career without sacrificing balance. What really stood out was the sense of belonging and purpose she described. I knew I wanted to be part of a company where people had the freedom to make decisions, try new ideas, and genuinely improve the customer experience.

A Culture That Cares

From the moment I joined, I felt the culture here was different. It’s welcoming, supportive, and inclusive. There’s a real sense of trust, we’re empowered to get the job done, and we genuinely care about making a positive impact. Whether it’s for customers, communities, or each other, that care is at the heart of everything we do.

What’s also unique is how accessible and humble our senior leaders are. They listen, they take feedback seriously, and they’re committed to improving the customer experience. The long tenure of so many people here says it all, Vodafone is a place that supports you through every stage of life.

Belonging Through Action

One of the initiatives I’m most proud of is introducing Autism Awareness and Friendly Shopping Hours in our retail stores. It was something close to my heart, my two nephews are autistic, and I wanted to create a more inclusive experience for customers like them. With full support from my manager, I worked cross-functionally and collaborated with Adam Harris from AsIAm to reshape our store experience. It meant so much to see Vodafone embrace this idea and invest in making our spaces more accessible and welcoming.

Support When It Matters Most

Two years ago, I lost my dad to cancer. It was one of the hardest times in my life, caring for him at home while raising two young kids and managing a demanding role. Vodafone’s support during that time was incredible. I was given caring leave, extended bereavement leave, and most importantly, compassion. My colleagues and manager checked in regularly, protected me from stress, and gave me the space I needed. That deep understanding of family and empathy is something I’ll never forget.

Growing Into Leadership

My journey from Retail Channel Manager to Head of Consumer Sales has been shaped by incredible support and development opportunities. I was part of a Future Leadership programme that expanded my network across different markets and helped me grow as a leader. I also had access to Ezra coaching, which gave me the tools and confidence to express my ambitions and step into new challenges. An interim role gave me the chance to flex my strategic thinking, and with the backing of the Consumer Leadership Team, I was able to grow into the role I’m in today.

Staying Adaptable and Curious

Retail is fast-moving, and staying adaptable means staying connected. I regularly visit stores, invite feedback from frontline teams, and bring their insights into product and service design. Our frontline agents are one of Vodafone’s greatest assets, they know our customers best, and their feedback is gold.

I also love exploring what’s happening in the wider retail world. I do “Retail Safaris” to see how other industries are innovating, and I stay connected with a network of retail entrepreneurs who offer brilliant insights into the challenges and trends shaping the sector.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Retail

What excites me most is the opportunity to bring our physical and digital channels together in a truly seamless way. Omnichannel is the future, and we’re developing amazing tools to help customers interact with us however they choose. I’m especially excited about how AI can support both customers and our frontline teams, automating the repetitive stuff so our people can focus on what they do best: offering expert advice and building real relationships.

Our stores are evolving into hubs of expertise and experience, and I’m proud to be part of that transformation.

Making a Difference Every Day

Our team plays a vital role in helping customers, especially older and vulnerable ones, stay connected. Whether it’s supporting digital upskilling through our partnership with ALONE or helping families navigate parental controls, we’re in a trusted position to make a real difference.

What Drives Me

What motivates me every day is seeing the people around me succeed. I love helping others grow, removing barriers, and creating a space where people feel supported and empowered. I’m lucky to work with a team that not only delivers results but genuinely cares about each other’s wellbeing and happiness.

With us, you can truly belong

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