Evie Hemmersley – CEVA

I currently have a split role – 50% of my time is spent in an engagement-focused role, which involves defining our business-wide engagement calendar, working closely with our sites to support their engagement activities, and also managing our bi-annual Employee Engagement Survey across the UK, Ireland and the Nordics. The other 50% of my time is spent within our Learning and Development team, supporting the delivery of exciting new projects, including brand-new learning offer launches and face-to-face learning events. My career in logistics began when I started in an entry-level role within the finance team at CEVA. After 18 months, I took the leap into HR on secondment as maternity cover, and since then, I’ve been exposed to so many amazing learning and development opportunities, not least completing my Level 5 CIPD qualification through an apprenticeship, which has really supported me in both aspects of my  role. I learned so much more about the areas I work in and the other specialist areas of HR. I also developed many valuable skills that support me within my role and empower me to challenge myself and think more broadly and strategically.

Before I joined the logistics industry, my perception was quite stereotypical; I saw it primarily as moving goods from point A to point B. However, after joining the industry, my understanding has completely transformed. I am now in awe of the numerous moving parts and intricate processes required to run the sector effectively. Logistics is truly the backbone that keeps the world moving, and witnessing firsthand the innovation and technological advancements within the industry has been incredibly inspiring. I also didn’t anticipate the vast array of opportunities within the business and the HR team and the emphasis on constant development and learning. I was also guilty of thinking the workforce was made up of male lorry drivers. However, my team is predominantly made up of strong and successful women, which is so inspiring! It’s incredible to be surrounded by that every day and to see other women paving the way in the industry – it gives me the drive and determination to follow in their footsteps and hopefully pave the way for many more women!

The best thing about my role is the variety I get – no two days are the same, which I love! It’s also great to work so closely with sites and people across the wider business, not just within the UK but on a global basis, too. My proudest achievement would be successfully launching a brand-new bitesize learning offer – ‘2Minutes2Learn: Pour yourself a cup of curiosiTEA’. We wanted to bust the myth that learning has to be completed in long, classroom-style sessions and prove that you can actually learn something new in the time that it takes to boil a kettle! We’ve now launched nearly 10 new topics as part of this suite of learning (and counting!), and we’ve received great feedback from across the business. Given the industry’s fast-paced nature, completing a learning module in just 2 minutes means learning is so much more accessible and that’s something I’m really proud to have accomplished! I think I’ll stay in the industry because of the mix of flexibility and development that I have. After returning from maternity leave at the end of 2023, I reduced my hours to four days a week, meaning I get an extra day at home with my daughter to be present for her and not have to miss out on making memories together. I am also starting my Level 7 Senior People Professional apprenticeship later this year, which I’m really excited about! It feels amazing to have a work-life balance that works for me and my family and still have development opportunities available. I’m really proud to show my daughter that, as women, there are no limits to what we can achieve!

My advice to someone considering a career in logistics would be to jump in head first and take every opportunity that’s presented to you! Logistics is such an exciting industry with such an exciting future ahead, and there are endless opportunities for you to grow and develop the most incredible career and the most incredible version of yourself! I would say the top three skills that stand out for success in the industry are:

1. Adaptability—The logistics industry is dynamic and fast-paced, and circumstances can change often at the drop of a hat. Being adaptable means you will thrive within this ever-changing environment and become a master at handling and successfully navigating unexpected challenges!
2. Great communication—Within the industry, you are exposed to so many different stakeholders. Whether you’re meeting with a customer, involved in implementing a new site/contract, or part of a brand-new project team, you are always interacting and communicating with a variety of different people at different levels and within different teams, both externally and internally.
3. Drive—pardon the pun! There are so many opportunities to grow and develop and be exposed to so many exciting things. The opportunities are endless for those who want to grow and develop within the industry, so grab each one with both hands!