Tell us about your role: I plan and organise the drivers we require on a day-to-day basis to manage our workload. This includes assigning drivers to specific vehicles and also determining the number of agency drivers required to meet the demands of the business, and looking to complete this in a cost-effective manner at all times. In addition, I manage the servicing and MOT schedules for vehicles and trailers.
I am also on a pathway towards the role of Transport Planner. This will include learning new skills and challenges to help me plan a schedule on a daily basis in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible.
What other positions have you held with the company?: Following a career in retail sales, I joined the company’s former base in Deeside in February 2005 on a temporary basis from an agency to work in the warehouse handballing and unloading containers. Once my position became permanent, I took my reach truck and counter-balance licences, funded by the company, to increase my skills in the warehouse to place pallets and order pick. I was also responsible for loading and unloading vehicles and checking loads to make sure that they were correctly picked and ready to be delivered to customers.
In 2009, I transferred from Deeside to Wardle to continue working in the warehouse and after a while, I was given the opportunity to work on an export project, picking stock and loading for overseas transportation.
Six years ago, I applied for the role of Despatch Clerk in the Transport Department and was appointed to the role which included managing driver instructions and enquiries. After completing four years in this role, I took up my current position. Through the apprenticeship scheme, I am currently completing the Transport Manager CPC qualification which is fully-funded by the company. I have completed my exam and awaiting the results.
Given my experience in both warehousing and transport, I have built up a rounded knowledge of the business which really helps me to appreciate the needs and challenges of different parts of our operation which can vary so much on a day-to-day perspective.
What do you like most about working here? The people I work with and the structure I work within. It’s a friendly place to work with a nice working environment. There are lots of opportunities to progress here if you’re prepared to put the hard work in. I also really like the fact that good work gets recognised here and that it doesn’t go unnoticed.
I even recommended the company to my wife! She works in the Customer Service Department
Why should drivers come and work here? Because of the way we plan workloads, drivers always have a good idea of when and where they’re going. They are treated with respect and have the opportunity to drive high-specification vehicles with the latest technology and each vehicle has a microwave and fridge on-board. Most drivers are assigned to a specific vehicle and all our vehicles are immaculately maintained.
We have great staff in the Transport Department to support our team of drivers.
