Jill Charlton

Senior manager, quality & regulatory affairs, Warburtons, on sleepy interviewers, being a food stylist, and meeting Sly Stallone

jill charlton warburtons

What was your first-ever job? At 13 I worked as a shop assistant at ‘Tweedle Dum’ in Leigh, Lancashire. I earned £3 a day and I loved it!

What’s been your worst job interview? I remember being interviewed for a placement by two stern-looking men. I was trying hard to answer the questions as fully as possible when I noticed one had fallen asleep. Needless to say I declined the offer!

What was the first music single you bought? Either Puppy Love by Donny Osmond or By Bye Baby by the Bay City Rollers.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I work for a great family business and it’s my job to ensure all the products are correctly labelled. I advise on nutrition and marketing claims, work on TV ads and act as a food stylist on photoshoots.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Making sure the Warburtons purpose and values are implemented.

What is the least rewarding part? Unnecessary meetings.

What is your motto in life? Do your best.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? To double the allocation of holidays!

Do you have any phobias? I don’t like eating other people’s sandwiches. I can remember going on school trips and children would swap them. I had to go and sit elsewhere.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? That consumers stop believing carbs are bad for you.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? A bed with soft pillows and crisp white sheets.

What animal most reflects your personality? I asked my husband and he says a wasp. I’m not sure how to take that!

What’s your favourite film? Dirty Dancing - the music, the dancing, actors perfectly cast, a great ‘first love’ story.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? On a skiing holiday with my family I damaged my knee and had to be ‘carried’ down a slope on a stretcher. The ski lift went right overhead so it made great viewing for everyone.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with? I’ve ‘worked’ with Sly Stallone on an advert and I met the Queen in 2009 and introduced her to some long-serving colleagues - not sure who else could top that!