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Role: Graduate Surveyor
Harveet Thethy – SEGRO

Harveet Thethy – SEGRO
Company: SEGRO
Role: Graduate Surveyor
Harveet is a graduate surveyor at SEGRO and her role required a 2:1 in any degree. She learned about her role through a job advertisement sent via university email.
She was excited to join the SEGRO team because of the wide range of responsibilities outlined in the job description. Harveet also admired the company values, such as valuing employee’s career journeys and allowing them to explore a range of specialties within the company.
Harveet has family that work in the residential property field, which encouraged her to explore other areas in property, such as industrial and logistics. After completing her degree in Economics, she realised that she didn’t want to go into consulting or accountancy, but wanted to explore a field where she can learn something from scratch and that she can apply her economics knowledge to.
The level of responsibility on projects, the structured graduate scheme, which involves 2 rotations in different business areas, the career progression and the volunteering opportunities allow Harveet to have a better understanding of the company and makes for an exceptionally enjoyable job.
Working on projects that have benefitted the business such as completing new lettings and renewing leases for existing customers has been a real career highlight for Harveet, as well as her studying for her Masters degree in real estate.

Role: Lead Team Manager
Adriana Thompson – Wincanton

Adriana Thompson – Wincanton
Company: Wincanton
Role: Lead Team Manager
Before getting stuck into the Wincanton Graduate Scheme, Adriana thought she knew what she wanted to do in logistics:
“My sole and main interest career wise was to become a project manager. But since starting the programme I’ve been introduced to a wide variety of intriguing roles in an ever-changing industry. Most importantly I’ve discovered a passion for working in operations and people management.”
Adriana’s journey has included stints in Darlington, Stockton and Lichfield working with brands such as Magnet, Morrisons and Screwfix. She’s been impressed by how well she and her fellow graduates have been developed in the workplace.
“I’ve seen how invested and dedicated the company is in regards to integrating new talent and graduates into the world of logistics, whatever your academic background. We’ve all been supported and encouraged to go for courses that’ll benefit our future within the company.”
And if Adriana had to share one bit of advice to someone considering a career in logistics?
“Get outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself!”

Role: Customs Implementation Manager
Elizabeth Weldon – Kuehne+Nagel

Elizabeth Weldon – Kuehne+Nagel
Company: Kuehne+Nagel
Role: Customs Implementation Manager
Elizabeth started at Kuehne+Nagel straight out of University, taking up a Graduate Internship on the recommendation of a family member:
“I was always quite analytical and organised, with a keen interest in politics – which might not sound like something you associate with logistics, but actually proved incredibly useful for customs in navigating changes to the market brought about by Brexit.”
Elizabeth worked through a number of different roles at the company before settling into her current role as a Customs Implementations Manager.
“I’ve loved working for the business ever since I started. My current role involves implementing new customs brokerage contracts, liaising with customers, data gathering and ensuring smooth handovers into our operational teams.”
“I started my maternity leave at the end of March 2022 and was out of the business for a total of 9 months. I was initially nervous at taking so much time out. However, my management team have been incredibly supportive to ensure my smooth transition back into the business. It is definitely a struggle to find a new balance between working full time and caring for a little one at home, however I am really happy and proud to be reclaiming my working identity.”
Her career highlight was a successful Brexit Implementation Project, which helped the whole Keuhne+Nagel EU-UK adjust to a post-Brexit working model.

Role: Shift Manager
Jack Perrin – GXO

Jack Perrin – GXO
Company: GXO
Role: Shift Manager
Jack is currently in the Operational Graduate Programme for GXO on his second of three eight month placements. Within the scheme, the three placements are split between Operation, Transport and Projects, with some flexibility based on each candidate’s skills and interests.
His first role was in Operational Excellence on a food service contract, where he learnt the fundamentals, before working on projects designed to improve day-to-day operations. In his second placement, Jack took on a grocery contract working as a shift manager with a heavy focus on how each shift was run and how that could be optimised.
Having come to the GXO graduate scheme directly from finishing university, Jack was initially attracted to it because of its heavy focus on technology. With a degree in, and a passion for computing, the key course experience and the qualification the scheme leads to aligns to his future aspirations in logistics, and gives him an opportunity to apply his knowledge:
“With GXO’s heavy focus on automation driving results, I could challenge some of the key skills I had learnt.”
Jack had no previous experience in logistics before committing to the two year scheme, but so far he’s found the skills he’s picked up in other roles to be surprisingly fitting for the challenges he now faces in his day-to-day work:
“I worked part-time as a park ranger, which honed several key skills which I’ve gone on to develop. My previous role taught me to build strong communication skills with key stakeholders. And to prioritise, deal with lots of people, and choose my time wisely to best suit the needs of the employees and customers.”
The chance to challenge existing systems and improve things for the better is Jack’s favourite part of working at GXO.
“My current career highlight is delivering my finished project to the customer at the end of my first placement. This was something I had been working hard on for a number of months and I was able to deliver something that would change the way they operate, and be a huge benefit not just to GXO but also the customer. The feedback I got was excellent.”

Role: Sales Representative
Leighton Barnwell – Hughes Driver Training

Leighton Barnwell – Hughes Driver Training
Company: Hughes Driver Training
Role: Sales Representative
Leightons current position is as a Sales Representative within the sales team. On a daily basis, he engages with new individuals, offering guidance and recommendations on the most suitable course options for obtaining an HGV license and pursuing their desired career path.
Leightons role does not necessitate specific qualifications, but it does require a high level of motivation, a strong work ethic, excellent time management skills, and effective phone etiquette when interacting with customers “My interest in business processes, particularly the end-to-end journey, has been a consistent passion of mine.”
Leighton learned about this role through Michael, the current director, with whom he had been in contact during my studies. He introduced him to Carl, the managing director. After thoroughly researching their future business plans, Leighton recognized their potential to lead the market and decided to join their team.
Being part of the world of business, Leighton initially embarked on an apprenticeship in Business Development. Upon its completion, he discovered his enjoyment for sales and the fulfilment of witnessing my customers’ journeys, especially when they succeed at the end of their training.
In his current role at this family-run business, the close-knit office environment fosters a positive and collaborative atmosphere. The most satisfying aspect of Leightons role is the opportunity to interact with diverse customers, each with unique goals, and guide them through the process until they achieve their desired outcome of obtaining their HGV license.
One of Leightons significant career milestones was when he obtained his HGV license in 2019. This achievement has provided him with the chance to experience the driving aspect of the industry first-hand, allowing him to balance his office job with road activities and enjoy the peace of his own company while on the road.

Role: Telematics Technical Support Advisor
Nathan Melvin – Cubo

Nathan Melvin – Cubo
Company: Cubo
Role: Telematics Technical Support Advisor
As a Telematics Technical Support Advisor Nathan is one of the go-to people for Cubo’s telematics customers. He is involved in all parts of the customer journey, from onboarding where he creates the jobs for our engineers, to posting installation where he helps train customers, troubleshoot problems, and answer questions (over email, phone and live chat) so they can get the most out of Cubo’s solutions.
There were no specific qualifications required for Nathan’s role. A friend of his told him about the opportunity and encouraged him to apply. The tech appealed to Nathan due to the constant innovation.
Cubo were looking for people who are good at solving problems and helping others. Nathan had previous experience in customer service and could learn everything else! This industry is so dynamic so there is constant learning – another reason Nathan was drawn to this job.
“The best thing about my job is having a team of awesome people to work with.” Everyone on the team are all passionate about what we do and we’re always looking for ways to improve. Nathan’s also really proud of the technical know-how he’s gained since joining Cubo.
“It’s refreshing to feel so involved in an employer’s journey and be a part of a team where everyone’s role is valued and respected.”

Role: Transport Manager
Gurkiran Rai – DHL Express

Gurkiran Rai – DHL Express
Company: DHL
Role: Transport Manager
Gurkiran left school at 18, with GCSEs and A-levels. She headed to university to study teaching, but after her first year decided it wasn’t the career she was looking for. She set out on a search to find something she enjoyed and gave her the job satisfaction she wanted.
After finding her role at DHL, which allows her to not only work but also study for an apprenticeship as she goes, she’s keen to stress that logistics, and specifically Operations, might be more than meets the eye.
“I cannot stress enough that operations isn’t a scary world, it’s just different to the office world, but it is equally as challenging and fun. It’s not just made for those who don’t want to study, it’s made for everyone!”
Speaking honestly, Gurkiran admits that she went into her role thinking logistics, and linehaul, were just trucks and trailers, but she quickly found out that there’s a lot more to it than that.
“My apprenticeship and job combined teaches me life skills that no university could have: communication, honesty and teamwork. And throughout my time at DHL, they’ve been the three pillars to push me further in my career, and within my team.”
Gurkiran worked part time in the Network Control Group for three years, working across various projects, and in the central departing and arriving of material operation for the Ops team. She then took an opportunity to move into the Linehaul team to be the AM Operations Supervisor, growing her knowledge of Linehaul, and the world of trucks and trailers. Despite feeling a little intimidated at first, she quickly found her feet.
“I opened my eyes to a whole new world of working, and a new working environment which I found so enjoyable on a day-to-day basis, especially in seasonal peak periods.”
She completed her apprenticeship during her time as a supervisor, and it boosted her confidence knowing she had developed the skills to be the best manager she could be.
She channeled her elevated confidence into her application for the AM Transport Manager role which she’s been succeeding in, and loving, ever since.
“DHL is such a big company and I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to learn about the operational business on a large scale. One of my best achievements has been gaining my apprenticeship qualification in Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager, which has equipped me to do the job I am doing, and prepare me for future managerial roles within the business.”

Role: Lead Transport Manager
Elliot Parker – TESCO

Elliot Parker – TESCO
Company: Tesco
Role: Lead Transport Manager
As a lead transport manager, Elliot oversees the running of all the transport operation at Lichfield Depot, leading a team of 10 managers and circa 390 drivers/clerks to deliver grocery stock to over 600 stores every day. He is the main license holder for the depot and is responsible for the performance against all our key KPIs. The role is very varied, including tasks such as planning, people management, recruitment, training, financial performance, reviewing fleet, third party management etc.
This role required a CPC Transport Manager qualification and Elliot learned about this role Internally.
One skill that Elliot has gained is through his education, work and sports is being able to be resilient and think on the spot to solve a problem, which is definitely an attribute suited to a role in logistics.
The autonomy and empowerment to work within a structured organisation but still have the ability to set the direction for my team and lead them with my own style and decision making is something he enjoys about his role.
Elliott’s biggest achievement within his role was delivering a road to rail project – setting up a new train service that carries 120 containers of grocery stock a week, removing road miles and contributing to our carbon emissions targets.

Role: Senior Analyst
Simon McGee – GXO

Simon McGee – GXO
Company: GXO
Role: Senior Analyst
Simon began his logistics career in 2008, following 10 years in the Royal Air Force.
“Initially it was the technology sector that I wanted to explore, but this didn’t give me the variety that I craved. It felt limited and opportunities were only focused on a very specific area of the sector.”
However, with GXO he saw that he could develop a broader skill set, working across system development, web maintenance, business reporting, network maintenance and IT. Having established himself as a data analyst, GXO supported further educational opportunities, including various apprenticeships and ultimately, a Digital Technology and Solutions degree.
“I graduated with first class honours – but it was only made possible by the support of the management, and the passion I’d developed for the sector.”
The extra qualifications meant Simon was able to progress to his current role as a Senior Analyst, and to a career highlight.
“My personal highlight was developing a technology solution that controlled the loading of vehicles at a major food manufacturing site, which coordinated ~20,000 HGVs a year and transformed the reporting and administration.”
However, Simon’s keen to stress that logistics offers opportunities that are really accessible.
“It’s a fast-paced environment where progression isn’t limited. You aren’t restricted in specific roles, and there’s all sorts like IT, health & safety, HR, recruitment, legal, operations and loads more.”

Role: Shift Manager
Tom Dedman – GXO

Tom Dedman – GXO
Company: GXO
Role: Shift Manager
For Tom, logistics was once a side hustle – but now it’s a career!
“I used to work as a part time Sports Therapist for a professional football team. For additional income I joined my current company as a Warehouse Operative. After 12 months as an Operative, I joined the Graduate Scheme in Jan 2021 as an internal applicant and have now accepted a permanent position as a Shift Manager- on the same contract that I was initially an Operative!”
His knowledge of the industry stretched little further than warehousing, and it certainly wasn’t a sector he considered a future career prospect.
“Realising what opportunities existed within the sector changed my mind. These included working with cutting-edge technology, accelerated career progression and not being fixed to a location.”
He might have left the physio room and the football pitch behind, but Tom has picked up valuable skills along the way – all of which helped kick off his logistics career.
“I had confidence in leadership through my time in sports teams through school and university, as well as critical thinking from my degree – a skill that is transferable to this industry.”
These days, Tom is based at a Regional Distribution Centre for a major UK grocery retailer. He puts those leadership skills to work heading up a shift warehouse team of around 360 colleagues, giving them all the backing and tools they need to keep the supply chain running.

Role: Class 1 Driver
Domino Homer – Cold Chain Federation

Domino Homer – Cold Chain Federation
Company: Cold Chain Federation
Role: Class 1 Driver
For Domino, the dream was always lorry driving. But school sent her down a different road, and after studying for a diploma in finance, she landed a job in the financial industry.
But while she was good at the job, and picked up some valuable skills doing it, it wasn’t something she felt passionately about. So she decided to get her dream back on the road.
It turned out that Domino’s partner was also keen to start a driving career, so they both passed their Class 1 in the same year, and are now both happily working for Buffaload, a member of The Cold Chain Federation – the trade body that has represented the UK temperature controlled storage and distribution industry for more than a century.
As a woman in the world of LGV driving, Domino says she was made to feel very welcome:
“At Buffaload, I’m treated like any other professional driver. In the industry you can come across those who do treat you differently because you’re female, but whenever I come up against this attitude it just encourages me to prove them wrong and show them what I’ve got.”
And she’s relishing the career journey to come, “I look forward to going to new places, seeing more of the UK and continuing to improve on my own skills as an HGV driver. I want to spread the word and influence others, male and female, to pursue this rewarding career.”

Role: Finance Graduate Associate
Kulraj Singh Banwait – GXO

Kulraj Singh Banwait – GXO
Company: GXO
Role: Finance Graduate Associate
Those searching for a career in business often overlook the logistics industry, but not Kulraj. He chose GXO for his placement as part of a BA in Business Management, Accounting and Finance – in part because of the real-life experience the placement offered alongside completion of his professional accounting qualification.
The rotating placement has seen Kulraj experience multiple areas within GXO, but the highlight to date? “Taking up the responsibility of completing finances for five sites across the UK, including weekly P&L reporting, budgeting and forecasting.”
Kulraj lists a range of key skills and characteristics useful for someone in his current role. “Flexibility, of course, as well as the ability to work as a team player, and to meet deadlines. Adding value by engaging with key stakeholders is vital too.”
It’s all about “gaining business insight, not just in finance but wider business operations”. That insight comes alongside studying for a CIMA qualification, and no one day is the same. “It’s such a rewarding sector. I was always a good problem solver, but also a big fan of technology and innovation” GXO was such a good fit.”
To anyone else considering a similar opportunity in logistics, Kulraj has this to say: “It’s something different, with such a scope for career progression. There are so many diverse career paths you can take!” Sounds like many of us could take his career advice, and be happier for it.

Role: Senior Cyber Director – Governance
Nick Lloyd- Maersk

Nick Lloyd- Maersk
Company: Maersk
Role: Senior Cyber Director – Governance
Nick’s role is to oversee cyber security activity, including setting Maersk’s cyber priorities based on business context such as customer needs, company operations, company strategy and our associated logistics transformation. Maersk is a global company operating in 130 countries and employing about 100,000 people. It manages container shipping, ports and terminals, and warehousing and distribution, and this all needs to be cyber-secure so our customers can trust us with their data and rely on our resilience. We have 300 professionals covering the internationally recognised cyber security functions of Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover.
Nick’s role spans all these functions, and he has a highly diverse Governance team of 33 people operating out of 13 countries helping me with cyber security strategy development, Board-level reporting, business engagement, cyber security training and awareness education, and providing 2nd Line of Defence in our assurance operating model.
His job requires degree level education in a relevant technology discipline. It also requires business training in strategy, finance and obligations of Boards and Directors, such as that available from the Institute of Directors or IMD business school. Similarly, training in unconscious bias and having experience of working effectively with people of different cultures is key to being effective in a genuinely international environment.
Nick made his network of colleagues and friends aware that he was looking for a fresh challenge and a previous boss contacted him to say he had been struggling for months to find the right candidate to fill a new role that was temporarily being filled by a consultant. The more Nick learned about the role, the more excited he got, so he applied.
He had previously served as an Engineer Officer in the Royal Air Force and this had helped him develop the skills to constantly balance the operational imperatives of today with the investment needed to meet the needs of tomorrow. Both are critical to enduring success in logistics.
“The best thing about my role is the people I work with, not just my own team (who are amazing), but across the company as a whole.”
One of Nick’s most consistent career highlights has been the people he has led and their capacity to surprise him whenever they are given a challenge.

Role: Customs Risk and Audit Manager
George Wrench – Europa

George Wrench – Europa
Company: Europa
Role: Customs Risk and Audit Manager
As the Customs Risk and Audit Manager for the Europa Worldwide group, George is responsible for the group’s compliance with customs regulations / legislation and risk management strategy. This involves developing and implementing robust audit procedures to ensure the risk posed to the group through our customs operations are managed, reported on, and mitigated where possible.
He manages a team of customs compliance supervisors who conduct the auditing of declarations completed and the systems used within various customs divisions of the group across the UK & EU. The data that is produced from their auditing is compiled into output reports that are presented to the groups directors to discuss areas of concern with suggestions on how to implement I.T development to correct non-compliance and areas of focus for retraining.
His job requires a strong understanding of customs regulations and legislation as well as attention to detail and he has completed various levels of customs compliance academy training to further his knowledge however specific qualifications are not required.
George started working in the logistics industry when he was 19 as a junior customs clerk preparing declarations for sea freight containers. Since then, he has worked in various departments from a commercial customer facing role to operations, however since Brexit there has been a demand for people with an appetite for customs. George started at Europa in October 2020 as a Senior Customs declarant and from there has progressed to his current role.
The Customs Risk and Audit Manager position for George was a chance to develop and strengthen his understanding of global customs legislation whilst also being an opportunity to instil a “compliance focus” throughout the group. He believes by analysing the existing processes and procedures and adapting them to mitigate risk more efficiently he could really see a difference from the work he is doing daily.
Exposure to ever changing legislation and regulations and being able to successfully react as well as analysing and noticing improvements in the group’s overall compliance position is a big part of logistics.
Successfully overseeing the transition from the customs systems CHIEF to CDS was a great career highlight for George.

Role: Road Sales Apprentice
Imani – Kuehne+Nagel

Imani – Kuehne+Nagel
Company: Kuehne+Nagel
Role: Road Sales Apprentice
Learning through apprenticeships at Kuehne+Nagel offers several benefits. They provide practical, on-the-job training, allowing individuals to learn by doing real work. They come with structured learning plans, ensuring that participants receive comprehensive training tailored to their roles. Mentors are always on hand to offer guidance and support to facilitate personal and professional growth.
Imani likes her apprenticeship for numerous reasons. The first being the experience you gain in such a short period of time. That’s down to her colleagues always willing to help and train her. The second being the exposure she gets. “Working for Kuehne+Nagel, you get to learn so much about the world of logistics and what goes into doing a great job for our customers.
Lastly, the qualifications. Once Imani finishes her apprenticeship, she’ll have achieved not only a level 3 certificate in customer service, but also the level 4 qualification in sales.

Role: Mobile Customer Support Advisor
Luke White – DHL Express

Luke White – DHL Express
Company: DHL
Role: Mobile Customer Support Advisor
Luke started DHL as an Apprentice Operations Agent in BRS SVC. He was one of the first apprentices in Operations. After successful completion of his apprenticeship, He continued employment at DHL as Operations Agent. Luke then moved into Sales as Sales Admin Support; he was then shortly promoted to Mobile Customer Support Advisor. Luke then took up a secondment as a Tender Manager and has recently returned as Mobile Customer Support Advisor.
“Logistics is an interesting industry to work in and no day is the same. The opportunity to progress and develop new skills in DHL is endless.”
Being promoted as a Tender Manager on a secondment basis and enrolling a successful project for Sales, ‘Account Manager Pack’ was a big step in his career. This allowed him to develop his skills and confidence. Luke is going to be enrolled out as a BDP across Europe.

Role: Driver Trainers
Paul & Simon Tremaine – TESCO

Paul & Simon Tremaine – TESCO
Company: Tesco
Role: Driver Trainers
Brothers Paul and Simon began their careers in logistics alongside their father 30 years ago.
“Our dad also said to us when we were out with him: ‘that’s the firm you want to be working for boys, Tesco!’ We all applied for Tesco jobs, and we got them.”
Both Paul and Simon became drivers straight from school and have worked alongside each other ever since.
“We’ve progressed to driver trainers. It’s rewarding when you see the apprenticeship guys come through. It’s great to see that someone else has taken on your knowledge and put it into action.”
For both, the appeal of the job isn’t just the teaching, but the togetherness of the team.
“We love our jobs. It’s like coming to work with our family, you know? That’s what helps keep a lot of people here, the camaraderie.”

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