Overseas Bases
Supporting the armed forces could take you a long way. After all, we deliver quality retail, leisure and catering services in 30 establishments across Northern Ireland, five garrisons in Germany, Gibraltar, Kuwait, Brunei, The Falklands and the Ascension Islands. Wherever you work, whatever role you’re in, you’ll make these places feel like home.
Working in our shops, pubs, clubs and catering establishments, you’ll play an important part in life at your location. It’s fulfilling work, and the team spirit’s great too. And as you’ll be stationed outside of the UK, it’s a chance to take in another culture and really broaden your life experience.
This is by far the biggest part of our business, so we’ll probably have an opportunity that’s right for you.
Roles
Locations
Q&A
A Day in the Life
Roles
Have you got what it takes to help turn an overseas base into a home from home? Then have a look at the roles below. We run shops, pubs, clubs and catering establishments in bases around the world, so there may well be an opportunity that’s right for you.
Site Managers
This is your chance to run a business like it’s your own. You’ll develop and motivate your team – ensuring the delivery of excellent customer service and, of course, profits. These are varied and challenging roles, so you’ll need proven management and retail experience.
Supervisors
Setting the standards for customer focus and productivity, you’ll ensure your team are motivated, properly trained and inspired to deliver a great service. Given the variety of your role, commercial awareness, managerial experience and a firm belief in high standards of customer service will be vital.
Customer Service Assistants
Wherever you work, you’ll join a great team and give our customers the best possible service. Maximising profits and maintaining stock will be just two challenges you face. If you’re a team player with a passion for service and customer rapport, our training will give you the other skills you need.
Chefs (Germany only)
Could you help us give soldiers a taste of home where it’s needed most? You’ll provide the quality of food that boosts morale and deliver the highest level of customer care. Organised, meticulous about hygiene and a true team player, you must have proven experience in a busy, high-quality catering environment.
Locations
At the moment, we provide support within bases in Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, Brunei, Kuwait, the Falklands and Ascension Islands, as well as a number of sites across Germany.
Overseas Bases
Germany
- Hohne Garrison (incorporating Hohne, Fallingbostel and Celle)
- Paderborn (incorporating Sennelager, Detmold and Hameln)
- Gutersloh (incorporating Gutersloh, Bielefeld, Herford and Munster)
- Rhine (incorporating JHQ and Elmpt)
Northern Ireland
Gibraltar
Brunei
Kuwait
The Falklands
Ascension Islands
Q&A
What’s life like on a military base? Our staff are the best people to answer that question. After all, they’ve been there, they’ve seen it and they’ve all got tales to tell. And they’re happy to share their experiences with you.
Supervisor, Bielefeld Local, Germany
How long have you worked for NAAFI?
One year
What do you do day-to-day?
Support the Manager with the daily running of the store; tasks cover management and supervision of staff, back office tasks, running of the shop floor, ordering stock, receiving stock, dealing with customers. Act as store manager in the absence of the manager.
What do you like about your job?
I enjoy all areas of my job, applying all my skills and experience such as: management of staff, the responsibility, organising tasks, solving any customer issues. The opportunity to progress.
What's your base like?
As a member of the UKBC community, I live in private accommodation.
What's the social life like?
Good
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about joining NAAFI?
Firstly you must ensure that you join for the right reasons. Do not have the view that it is just a job. With everything in life, you only get out what you put in. Have an open mind and seek advice, as there is a lot of experience around. Finally, give yourself time to adapt to your new working environment.
What's it like working in a different country?
Germany is great - loads to see and do.
What do you think are the important things you need to remember when working for NAAFI?
You must remember that you’re representing the company at all times. Every thing you do in and out of work has a bearing on the company’s name and the standards that are set.
The use of our PRIDE values should be followed. These are Passion for our customers, Respect for our colleagues, Integrity and honesty, Delivering what we say we will and Excellence in what we do.
Retail Assistant, Northern Ireland
How long have you worked for NAAFI?
Seven years. I left after two years to go to a better paid job, but came back again. I realised that working for NAAFI was a lot more interesting and money isn’t everything.
What do you do day-to-day?
I serve customers, re-stock as required, make sure things are priced correctly, order stock, work in the diner if required, prepare food and serve behind the bar occasionally.
What do you like about your job?
Variety and being with people (both colleagues and customers). People who work for NAAFI have been to many interesting places which is interesting. Customers are great crack too.
What's your base like?
Large camp with lots of families on camp but it blends in the local civilian surroundings nicely. In some parts you wouldn’t know you are on a military camp.
What's the social life like?
Everyone knows everyone so it is always easy to find someone to go out with or chat to. Because of the location there is the choice of staying on camp to socialise or to go into local towns.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about joining NAAFI?
You need to be outgoing because you then get a lot more out of the job. There are so many types of people that you need to be willing to talk to them, to hear about their experiences.
What do you think are the important things you need to remember when working for NAAFI?
Remember it’s a team job and everyone needs to pull together. There are times when you are under a lot of pressure but you need to take it as it comes – it’s never the same from day to day. The amount of soldiers on camp at any one time will make a difference to how busy we are. But no matter how much pressure we may be under, it is still the most fun job I’ve had.
Country Business Manager, Brunei
How long have you worked for NAAFI?
I joined NAAFI in May 2003 after working as a manager with Tesco.
What do you do day-to-day?
Essentially my role is to liaise with the military to make sure we’re providing the services and products that they require. My day-to-day work involves planning new sales initiatives, monitoring performance and looking at ways in which we can improve our offer.
Another aspect of my job is that I belong to EFI, the uniformed branch of NAAFI, where I can be called upon to go anywhere in the world. I have recently completed a six-month posting in Iraq.
What do you like about your job?
The best part is having the opportunity to work with many people from other countries and cultures. I've also learned a lot more about managing people. I enjoy having a fair amount of autonomy, and have been trusted to get on with the job and produce results. I like the competitiveness of the retail trade and enjoy the challenge of exceeding budgets by thinking up new ideas.
What's your base like?
The British Garrison is friendly, and is made up mainly of the resident Ghurkha battalion, which in itself is very interesting as they have their own culture and traditions. The camp itself is fairly old fashioned at the moment, but is soon to be totally rebuilt and will be very modern. The NAAFI will be located right in the centre of the new complex.
We have our own swimming pool, medical and dental facilities and a library which loans out videos and DVDs as well as books. We also have our own SSAFA social workers and an education centre which provides evening classes for many subjects including languages.
At a small cost, we also have access to the Shell Oil leisure facilities, which include a large swimming pool, restaurants, a gymnasium and an 18 hole golf course.
What's the social life like?
Brunei itself is a very peaceful country with a very low crime rate. Although it's an alcohol free country, British Garrison personnel are entitled to buy and consume alcohol either in their own home or in the military messes.
Apart from the parties and functions that are arranged almost every week, there are many other activities including horse riding, scuba diving, sailing, golf, football, arts and crafts lessons and a dramatic society.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about joining NAAFI?
Be prepared to travel and don't expect a routine 9-5 job. The NAAFI life is very interesting and rewarding as long as you are committed and enjoy a challenge.
If you're joining EFI, start getting yourself physically fit and be prepared to work in difficult and sometimes stressful conditions for long hours. The rewards of working in such a unique role will outweigh the difficulties though.
What's it like working in a different country?
Working abroad has many benefits. Earning a tax free salary and working where the cost of living is normally a lot cheaper than the UK means that your money will go a lot further. Brunei is a fantastic base from which to explore the rest of the Far East, and most places are easy to get to with cheap air fares. The sun shines every day and in Brunei the temperature never drops below 30c - even during the rainy season. It takes a few months to become totally acclimatised to the heat but you do get used to it.
What are the people and culture like?
Brunei is made up of 70% Bruneian and 30% expatriates and migrant workers. The migrant workforce comes mostly from Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and India, while the expats are mostly from Europe With the Nepalese Garrison too, Brunei is a colourful and diverse nation.
One thing that strikes you over here is that everyone gets on well with each other and there is no friction between nationalities. Everybody is very tolerant with each other and this is actively promoted by the various governments.
What do you think are the important things you need to remember when moving over to Brunei?
Bring plenty of sun cream and insect repellent, get your travel insurance updated, obey the Muslim rules and respect other cultures.
Most important of all, enjoy yourself.
Site Manager, Munster
How long have you worked for NAAFI?
Six years.
What do you do day-to-day?
All tasks involved in the leisure side from manager tasks to Customer Services Assistant tasks.
What do you like about your job?
Working alongside with the Military, working with a team. And every day can be different. NO groundhog days!
What's your base like?
Excellent. It has all the main facilities we need and more.
What's the social life like?
Can be excellent, if that’s what you want.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about joining NAAFI?
To realise it can take time to adjust if you’re working for NAAFI overseas, and to give the job a realistic time frame. Also, take advantage of the benefits you can achieve from the company. For example, the training is on offer in all areas of the company if the ambition is there. And working as a team to offer fantastic service to all serving soldiers is something you just can’t do on Civvie Street. Therefore I feel we have our own community and we do make a difference to the lives of our soldiers.
What's it like working in a different country?
A great experience. It can give you so many different experiences on a day to day basis. It’s out there if you want it.
What do you think are the important things you need to remember when working for NAAFI?
That we’re serving the military and that we’re held in high regard for the service we give. Also to respect the country you are posted to. We have been given the opportunity so don’t disrespect it. Always remember there is always someone within NAAFI to talk to. No matter how big or how small the matter, we’re all there for each other. It’s all part of being in a team.
A Day in the Life
General Assistant, Brunei
I’ve worked for NAAFI for just over two years, and even after all this time no two days are ever the same. I’ve been a cashier and a waitress, I’ve worked behind a bar and helped with merchandising. I’ve even delivered food for private functions. It’s a world away from my previous job in a mobile phone shop.
In fact, I could not have asked for a bigger change. My old customers were all Malay and Chinese; now most of my customers are British and Nepalese. I come from the Philippines so my languages are Tagalog and English. During my time here in Brunei I have had to learn Chinese, Malay and I can even speak a little Nepalese now. Maybe my next job will be as an interpreter or language tutor!
Most of the time I work split shifts, which I don’t mind as it gives me some time in the afternoons to myself. I have accommodation on the camp supplied by NAAFI, which is very good. I normally start work in the families shop for the morning shift, then have a few hours off before going to work as a waitresses in the only Chinese restaurant in NAAFI.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with NAAFI. It’s been far more interesting and different than I ever imagined. It is always difficult working for a new company, particularly when you have to leave your home country for the first time. But the friendships that I’ve built up over the past few years make it all worthwhile. I would encourage anyone thinking about working for NAAFI, especially overseas, to do it. You could well find it a genuinely life-changing experience.
Customer Service Assistant - The Falklands
There really is no such thing as a ‘typical day’ in my job. Even though the main structure of the day tends to remain constant, you never know what’s coming next.
Reaching Work
Here in the Falkland Islands, my average day usually begins in a fight with the elements. In order to make it into work, I have to battle through gale force winds, sleet and snow, and hail the size of golf balls! Well, that’s what it feels like.
Handover
Upon reaching the Gull and Penguin and ridding myself of various layers of clothing, the day has officially begun. My job’s quite varied, and I generally have to handle everything from cashing up and checking tills to ordering stock and making sure that other staff are carrying out their duties. Half way through the shift and everything appears to be running smoothly – famous last words.
Customers
There is always at least one memorable customer – for better or worse. One time it was an old dear who forgot her glasses and needed an explanation for why NAAFI beetroots are colourless; (she was peering at pickled onions). This time it’s a mother of three trying in vain to control her brood. Her youngest tears through a carefully crafted sweet shelf; involved in the serious business of counting how many Freddos they can fit into their mouth. She mildly clucks at them “put that down dear”. Needless to say she pays for the Freddos - an impressive three, considering the size of the child’s mouth.
Staff Breaks
On one of those rare, beautiful days where everything falls into place, breaks are not a problem. Other occasions involve intense verbal debates as to who should have the later break. Such circumstances require quiet patience and a firm hand. I’m hoping to master these techniques one day.
The Grand Opening
Having successfully survived the trials of the day, a whole new chapter is about to begin. At precisely 19:00 hours, the Bar and Snack bar opens. This momentous occasion is normally preceded by impatient shuffling or tapping the shutters. Not a good start.
Country Manager – Northern Ireland
03:00 - Woken this morning by a five year old who has no comprehension of what time it is. What should have been an easy task getting him back to bed turned out to be a real commercial negotiation on birthday presents, which daddy crashed and burned on. Either I have gone soft or he saw the opportunity as a result of my sleep deprived state. Good boy. Finally managed it, so back to sleep for a couple of hours.
05:45 - Awoke a second time feeling fine, Aldergrove Sparpos (computer system) launch on my mind! That’s enough of that song. Rolled out of bed and hit the shower, the normal daily routine.
06:20 - Started off on the 40 min journey to work, otherwise known as the planning stage of the day. Peace and tranquillity exists for this moment in my world. Sadly, this is just the lull before the storm.
07:00 - Arrived at regional office. Chris, my administrator, is already here. How sad is that? She is more commonly known as Bambi due to her falling down techniques. The humour starts right away. First coffee of the day.
07:30 - Got the game face on, and now ready for the day ahead! Spent the whole morning creating data on the central Sparpos back office system, various interruptions but nothing new to me. Phone has become a permanent fixture, in fact a new integral part of my ear.
12:00 - Need food!
Took Chris out to lunch at the Airport café. Big spender! Battery charging exercise for an hour before the pending storm that is the Aldergrove launch of Sparpos.
13:30 - Meeting with supplier!
The second commercial event of the day goes much better than the first with the five year old. Daddy triumphs this time! Lesson learned from the events earlier, but I am pretty sure that the supplier wasn’t sleep deprived.
15:00 - First visit of many to Aldergrove shop to check the ‘to do’ status prior to the new till installation later in the evening. Looks under control!
Business Compliance Manager arrives to assist with the store count and the stock result in the evening.
16:00 - Back to the regional office. Quick coffee and back to scanning products into the back office system. Chris is absolutely tireless. What a star. Mad as a hatter though! Her humour keeps everyone going during the long day.
19:00 - Aldergrove store count commences, and the Henderson IT guys arrive to install the new tills. Chris and I count the BWS section which turns out hilarious due to her scouse pronunciation of the wines. I have never heard Sauvignon Blanc said that way before!
21:30 - IT orders pizza!
Back to regional office to create a product list for the bakery and then back to the shop. The pizza has disappeared by this stage. Just as well we had a gourmet meal earlier!
23:00 - Store count completed…pretty good going in four hours. Henderson’s guys still there installing the tills, main bulk of the staff head home at this time.
00:00 - Past the bewitching hour now, Red Bull looking like a good plan. We’re in the home stretch now - just another 100 bakery products to set up, and then and Chris and I are off. Takes longer than expected due to unexpected laughter.
03:00 - Tools down, going home cream crackered!
Great day and the Craic was mighty!
04:00 - Bed