Logistics Stories

From playing sport in his youth, Tristan knew that he excelled within team environments.

Once he had completed his A-Levels he began to look for roles that might suit him. Logistics wasn’t an obvious choice, but once he found it, it was all systems go:

“Originally I joined DHL through a temp agency. Since then I have networked well to understand available opportunities within our business.”

Tristan enjoyed building relationships with clients, and the challenge of delivering against complex contracts – something typified by his career highlight on a project at London Heathrow Airport:

“After working to solve our operational challenges, I worked with our customer to support them with theirs. We ended up tendering for the full contract, which saw the revenue grow from £5m to £23m.”

Shelby arranges events for our members. This includes regional meetings, our Freight Services Awards, charity dinners, Young Forwarder Network socials and virtual events. Her role required a C grade or above in English and Math, basic IT skills. Her sister-in-law worked for Seetec, and she saw the job vacancy online and sent it to her.

Shelby built the following skills from her experiences in school such as good communication, time management, adaptability, and empathy.

She is motivated by getting opportunities to meet new people at different functions and events. She also loves that she can travel to different places in the country that she hasn’t been to before!

One of Shelby’s career highlights has been planning and attending our Freight Service Awards. We spent half the year planning everything, taking bookings, making sure everything was perfect, and then when the day came, it was really satisfying to see it all come together and all our guests enjoying themselves and even though I was working the whole day, it didn’t feel like it, it was fun!

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.

Carl’s job is to support the day to day running’s of various sites from an IT perspective, whether that be our office spaces or warehouses; as well as supporting the end users with their issues and requests. As we have been under a large restructure and leaning towards more warehouses as well as acquisitions, this has meant that Carl has been able to do a lot more travel than he has had in previous roles. Something that he loves.

Carl wouldn’t say there are necessarily any specific qualifications needed for his role. Experience was more important. He initially started in IT as an apprentice with law company in 2012. He then moved on to Peel Ports, which was his first IT Support role within Logistics (little did he know he’d be back!). Then onto University of Liverpool & Liverpool Football Club.

Maersk reached out to him via LinkedIn. At the time he was working in an IT Support role for Liverpool Football Club, which for a fan was somewhat of a dream. When Maersk reached out, Carl wasn’t necessarily looking for a new role. But after speaking with the Talent Acquisition Partner, as well as his now line manager, they sold the role to him.

Carl never really had an interest in going to University, but there weren’t many IT apprenticeships around at the time. He was lucky enough to successfully get an apprenticeship at a solicitors, covering their IT. After 2.5 years there, Carl then moved on to Peel Ports, covering their IT Service Desk. This was his first insight into Logistics.

“I’d say the best thing for myself have been the travel, some of these locations are probably places I would have never ever visited, had it not been for working in logistics.”

Carl would say there are two highlights within his career so far.

1: Supporting the Global Leaders Conference in Gothenburg: This was a large scale event ran by Maersk for all of the leaders within the business. Carl’s role was to offer hands on support over the 3/4 day event

2:  The JCB intergration: As part of our partnership with JCB, Carl was tasked with helping the staff intergrate into the Maersk environment. This included installing relevant internet into their site, procuring hardware, building laptops & relevant desk equipment, setting printer & queues up- as well as their day to day support

“I lead Wincanton’s innovation programme, W2. It’s dedicated to advancing progress in the logistics sector by promoting collaboration with external partners, start-ups and internal colleagues, to develop digital technology-based products that enhance customer value in both the present and the future.”

As Head of Innovation, Claire also runs and develops Wincanton’s Innovation Centre, an inspiring hub that showcases technology solutions and hosts customers, partners, colleagues, investors and community groups. In its first 18 months, it welcomed over 3,500 visitors.

Claire joined the logistics sector as a graduate in 1998, and has worked in a variety of roles over the past 25 years, starting as a transport planner, then regional transport planner, before moving on to roles in business development, sales and solution design. Her wide experience, along with her thirst for new ideas and collaboration made her the perfect candidate to lead the innovation programme.

With no typical day in her role, Claire says its variety and people that keeps her enthusiastic. She relishes a role where she feels she can make a difference.
“I love the diversity and challenge of my role, I am a massive people person so I feel very fortunate to work with such talented colleagues across the Wincanton business as well as working with start-ups and suppliers from across the globe to create new solutions for our customers.”

Claire particularly enjoys working on innovation which she believes will transform the future of the sector, making people’s lives easier and the world a better place.

Opening Wincanton’s Innovation Centre has been a career highlight for Claire, having had the honour of leading the project for Wincanton all the way from concept to design to delivery.

“I managed to embrace everything from budgeting and project management, to video editing, to agreeing technical construction drawings, to storyboarding the city of the future, to choosing a coffee machine and paint colours!”

Gemma has been working in logistics for over 16 years, having started with Maersk after completing her A-Levels. As she progressed, her role and expertise rapidly developed.

“I’ve had a number of roles in customer service, sales and business change. I’ve been lucky to live and work abroad, with a range of stakeholders and functions.”

For a period, Gemma’s work took her to India, but wherever she’s been located, and whatever role she’s done, she’s found her core skills of teamwork, leadership and collaboration have been crucial.

“There are so many different channels, elements and roles that provide so many exciting opportunities. I am still learning so much. Paired with the opportunity to be part of such an integral industry to world trade, I find it incredibly interesting.”  

Alongside her current role, Gemma is also part of the Area Senior Leadership Team, making her a superb example of the personal development and progression that such a key part of the sector’s workplace culture.

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.”

Khushbu left school with no qualifications, but quickly saw that logistics offered her opportunities that other sectors couldn’t.

“More than qualifications, logistics requires on the job experience to understand it”

Originally from India, her first job in the sector was as an entry level warehouse operative in Italy, which is where she began to see career pathways open up in front of her. She then moved to England, initially with DHL, before going on to work for Kuehne+Nagel.

“Logistics is a universal language. No matter your ethnicity or language, all countries need to move goods. I love that from leaving school with nothing, I’ve been able to become a service manager for one of the biggest logistics companies in the world.”

At Kuehne+Nagel, Khushbu began as a Customs Administrator, but within 11 months had been promoted into her current management role.

“I manage a team of customs specialists responsible for the Groupage side of exports to Europe. My job is to ensure that everyone and everything is aligned with Government guidelines, as well as creating a working environment where everyone feels included and empowered.”

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.

Rebecca worked in the soft drinks industry for over 17 years. However, living close to the Hinkley Point C construction project had piqued her interest, so when a role with Wincanton came up, which would be part of the project, she jumped at the chance to be involved.

“This is my first role in logistics but, as an Account Manager, all of my skills were transferable. So although there was a lot to learn, I knew I had the core skill set for the role.”

Rebecca’s role is to be part of the infrastructure team focused on energy, identifying new business opportunities, participating in tenders and working closely with the marketing team.

However, because she was new to the sector, Rebecca was keen to expand her knowledge, and took the opportunity to complete a BSC Hons apprenticeship in Supply Chain Leadership, which is a three and half year course.

“My short-term goal is to complete my degree apprenticeship and graduate in 2025, and then after that who knows? I love that I’ve been given the opportunity to further my career like this, and for me it shows I made the right decision to change careers when I did.”

As a recent geography graduate, Megan has taken advantage of the opportunities the GXO graduate scheme offers. Following her final rotation, she’s opted to specialise in HR – something she hadn’t tried before.

“I was part of the Talent Management team in my final rotation, looking at the continuous performance management process as well as developing career pathways for different business functions.”

She spent a lot of time on research and analysis, speaking to people across all areas of the business about their career pathways and the skills, qualifications and behaviours required to take them to the next level.

“We’ve been trying to modernise the performance process, making sure everything is online and on one portal for people to input any performance goals and activities that they have discussed with their manager and strive to achieve.”

As part of the graduate scheme, Megan has been encouraged to undertake three qualifications: IOSH – Health and Safety, Transport Management CPC and a Level 3 Leadership and Management Apprenticeship, preparing her for a long and fulfilling career in the industry, with plenty of opportunity for growth.

The application process for the graduate scheme consisted of two interviews and an assessment day, but Megan quickly found that her well-organised and process-driven skill set put her in a strong starting position.

“I like planning my time and keeping track of everything in a logical way. I’m also a quick thinker, so a role in logistics suited me because it’s so fast-paced. I love variety and doing different things every day, so this is why I enjoy working in project management so much.”

Megan loves working in a team and meeting new people, knowing that the work she does contributes to their career progression and development. She also loves the challenges her new role presents as she completes the graduate programme with a permanent role as HR Support Advisor on one of GXO’s customer contracts.

For Harry, logistics wasn’t part of the career plan, but as he began his career journey he realised that the professional experiences he’d had in other roles gave him the perfect skillset to thrive in the sector.

“To be honest I never thought I would ever be part of a logistics team. My first job leaving school was as a sheet metal worker creating and repairing Jaguar E-Types. Looking back, that role gave me the ability to find creative solutions. And then I started working for Tesco.”

That first position with Tesco was as a picker at a distribution centre, but within a year he’d become a warehouse service coordinator. This showed him the progression prospects available to him in logistics, and gave him a taste of a fast paced work environment. From there he began to hone his skills according to his interests, particularly in regards to planning technology.

“In my current role as a transport planner, I optimise the planning and execution of fresh and grocery product transportation from distribution centres to stores. I test and develop new in-house planning software and look for ways to identify and implement initiatives aimed at reducing our company’s carbon footprint.”

Harry feels that his career journey has helped him evolve as a professional and to embrace the responsibility that’s come his way.

“I feel quite privileged to be trusted to do the job I do, and get a kick out of seeing the cost and efficiency savings that my work has contributed to.”

Every day as a Transport Team Manager is different, for Santa. Supporting the management of a team of drivers means dealing with duties as varied as reporting and managing vehicle defects, operating transport software, briefing and debriefing drivers and getting involved with recruitment and welfare.

Such variety can be challenging at times, Santa suggests:

“Working under pressure and time management skills are really important. Around Christmas time, when volume was extremely high, we were struggling for roll cages – so I spent hours contacting stores to explain the importance of getting cages returned to our depot so they could ensure stock was delivered in time for Christmas.”

But it’s not just the daily opportunities offered to learn on the job that motivates Santa. She’s also studying for a BSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, working on a placement year – the third year of her degree.

“I found myself captivated by the way goods and services are managed and how they impact businesses. Learning about logistics and supply chain management showed me the exciting opportunities and challenges in the field. It made me passionate about contributing to efficient operations and optimising supply chains.

I wanted to make a real impact, so I knew this was the right choice for me.”

Sunnah came into logistics without really knowing what to expect; she hoped that the experience would be useful and she could build her confidence and capabilities along the way.

“My first impression of Wincanton was that everyone in the room is treated equally. It’s easy to feel intimidated when senior leaders are in the room, but it’s as easy to speak to the CEO as it is your line manager.”

The graduate scheme has seen Sunnah travel across the country, fulfilling her placement and getting a comprehensive introduction to the sector:

“I worked on an AGV project in Doncaster – which was a great experience for someone who hadn’t worked with robots before. My first placement was in Bristol as a transport manager for Howdens, then I went to Derby as a transport planner for Morrisons, and now I’m in the customer fulfilment centre for Waitrose in Greenford.”

Sunnah is revelling in the variety of the scheme and sees it as a potential positive for lots of other young people like her:

“My advice would be to not limit yourself when it comes to choosing placements, there will be many options to decide from but it’s good to go for roles that you would probably never go for!”

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.

Logistics draws people from all walks of life, from those with a background in the military, business or science, to the cultural and performing arts sector – like John. After seven years performing around the world, experiencing a wealth of cultural diversity, John decided it was time for a switch.

‘I decided to pursue a career in business through Amazon in Central Scotland. Through the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship, I’m able to take up a position whilst studying for a BA Hons in Business Management at Glasgow Caledonian University.’

With a passion for the arts equally matched by a passion for business, John is developing skills and knowledge around Amazon’s operational business, ready to dive into a busy workplace helping one of the world’s largest and most famous businesses.

‘I’ve felt welcomed by everyone at Amazon, and I’m proud to say that I’m an Amazonian! I’m looking forward to where my career will take me.’

Given he’s already come so far, we expect there’s plenty more to come from John.

Some people enjoy routine – the same tasks and challenges, learnt and overcome. But for Betsy Porter, a rewarding career is one in which diversity pops up on a daily basis.

“I chose the position because I knew each day would be different. I felt my role would challenge me, and before I joined I was looking forward to developing my knowledge.”

Her responsibilities as a Customs Processing Administrator at Maersk are diverse and fulfilling. “My role consists of handling a range of customs entries for a range of customers and items – systems such as Destin8, CNS and CDS.”

Why fulfilling? “I learn something new every day”, says Betsy. There’s always room for development and practice, improving my customer service skills all the time.”

Betsy’s enthusiastic approach has led to responsibility too, trusted by leaders in her department and team.

“My career highlight? Being asked to be my department’s CDS champion. We needed one key person to learn all the ins and outs of the new (CDS) system, before completing training with our wider team.

That person was Betsy, and her abilities and commitment helped ensure a smooth transition within the department. And, we expect, a smooth transition along her chosen career path too.

Sam is serious about reaching the career goals he’s set for himself; Sam has his eye on one day running Premier Logistics himself.

Working for your own family’s business can be hard on younger generations with such hopes. But his dad, who owns Premier, is putting him through his paces. Following in the footsteps of his older brother Macauley, who also began his career with Premier in the warehouse over 10 years ago, Sam realises he has big shoes to fill and is invested in working his way through the business to gain experience in all aspects of logistics and fleet services. He’s worked in the warehouse for the past 11 months, during which time he’s gained his Forklift and Flexi Licences and says he’s learning from his colleagues every day.

“I spend my days unloading, prepping and loading the trucks, helping out colleagues in the garage and learning as much as I can from everyone I work with. We all have a great relationship and I think that’s down to the way Premier is so well-managed and operated. It’s created a culture that’s so warm and welcoming of everyone.”

One of the most valuable lessons he’s learnt from his time in the warehouse is what’s required to succeed in the logistics sector.

“You must have a strong mentality in this industry. You need to be able to take orders but also have the confidence to give orders yourself and to express what you need for you to do your job safely and in the most efficient way for customers.”

Over the next 12 months, Sam hopes to learn the ropes of the office and more about the systems and technology Premier uses, as well as build client relations as his brother has done before him, seeing Sam become a trusted ally in one day running the business together.

“If I really push myself hard I could work up to a managerial role in the next five years. And in the future, hopefully, I can join my brother in running the business.”

Neve was at a point in her life when she wanted to further her career within an organisation that supports young people and loves to see them thrive. After being referred for her position by a family member, Neve quickly slipped into place amongst a team she now considers to be the best part of her job.

“What attracted me to the job was how everyone I spoke to who has worked for Maersk always had a positive experience.”

As a Customs Process Administrator, Neve’s role is to help complete the documents required for different types of cargo to enter and or leave the country. Her role requires excellent time management, reliability, and a drive to grasp the diverse opportunities that Maersk offers by the horns.

“There are no specific qualifications required for this Job. Just an individual that is willing to learn and adapt to what has been thrown their way. I think anyone can do well in this job as long as they have the right attitude.”

Neve has really enjoyed seeing herself grow from when she first started, to the position to where she is now, “My career highlight is probably seeing how much my confidence has grown, having come into this field without any prior knowledge.”

Rajvir was always interested in corporate sustainability.

“Since my MSc I’ve been interested in the topic, and particularly how companies can be sustainable and still grow.”

Initially, she joined Kuehne+Nagel in a different role, but through her obvious passion for the subject and her proactive engagement with the #BlueforGreen initiative, the management team saw that she’d be ideal for a different role.

“My current role entails leading the company’s sustainability agenda within BU Air, and working with teams to make improvements in buildings and warehouses. I also work closely with the commercial team to assist with customer meetings, and the sustainability team in regards to moving forward the UK sustainability roadmap.”

Rajvir found that her passion for sustainability issues has become increasingly important within the sector.

“Sustainability is a bit of a buzzword, but it’s also complicated. At Kuehne+Nagel we’re looking into things like sustainable aviation fuels, biofuels, and modal shifts as well as staff education around the idea of the circular business model.”

Indeed, it’s the constant drive towards innovation and new solutions that makes her work so engaging and stimulating.

“It’s a subject that keeps evolving – which makes it exciting to learn more about.”

As a Freight Settlement Specialist, Marie manages various customer accounts to ensure their freight charges are settled in full. It’s not always as straight forward as that, it’s very mentally challenging and every day is different!

Her role didn’t require any specific qualifications. Marie learned about her current role through internal recommendation. After looking into the role and its requirements she decided it was the right fit for her and applied.

She came into the industry as she knew people already working within it. This helped give her the knowledge and confidence to enter logistics.

An amazing thing about Marie’s role has been that her management team have been a big support for her. “They support you to become what you wish to become.”

Two big career highlights for Marie have been the charity work she has been involved in and being promoted from her previous role.

Samantha’s first role in the sector was in the warehouse, picking and packing initially before becoming a PG (Process Guide). It was then that she started to understand the full range of opportunities available to her:

“I applied for the apprenticeship while working as a PG and got a place a year after starting with Amazon.”

The Level 3 engineering technician apprenticeship means she has one year of study in Coventry before another three years of learning on-site.

“We have a selection of modules to study but also have access to different opportunities and support. My proudest moment was speaking on stage at the FANUC open week event, which was streamed to thousands of people, promoting apprenticeships and speaking about the study I was currently doing.”

Samantha also won one of the monthly awards from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) designed to support students, recognising her willingness to go the ‘extra mile’.

Ultimately Samantha has been able to forge a career from what was initially just a job, developing her skills and capabilities along the way. 

“My public speaking and confidence have improved with the opportunities at Amazon. I’ve also made significant connections with other people in the business, especially the organisations representing women in engineering – who offer so much support!”

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.”

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.