Company: Co-op
Role: Team Manager
I’m a Team Manager at the Co-operative Group. In my role, I manage and support a team of colleagues across a busy warehouse operation. A big part of my job is helping people with their attendance, wellbeing, performance and development, while also taking responsibility for operational areas within the warehouse to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the variety it offers. Every day is different. I need to balance people management with operational responsibilities, solving problems, supporting colleagues and making sure the business continues to deliver for customers. It’s a role that allows me to make a positive impact on both people and the operation.
I didn’t need any formal qualifications to secure my current position. Instead, I was assessed through an interview process and selected because I demonstrated the behaviours and values that aligned with the company’s framework. This highlights one of the things I value most about logistics: there are opportunities for people from many different backgrounds, and progression is based on your attitude, commitment and willingness to learn.
I didn’t go to university. My career journey started when I joined the warehouse as an agency warehouse operative after being referred by a friend who already worked there. At the time, I was looking for an opportunity to work hard, develop myself and build a long-term career. I quickly realised that logistics offered far more opportunities than I had expected.
As I gained experience, I continued to develop my skills and take on more responsibility. My desire to improve, learn and help others eventually opened doors for progression. Over time I moved from a warehouse operative role into management, demonstrating that there are real career pathways available within logistics for those who are prepared to work hard and embrace new challenges.
Looking back, the skills that helped me succeed were not necessarily technical skills. Throughout school and my early working life, I was always a team player and genuinely cared about the people around me. I’ve never been afraid of hard work, and I’ve always wanted to improve. Those qualities gave me a strong foundation for a career in logistics, where teamwork, communication, resilience and a positive attitude are essential.
The main thing that attracted me to management was my desire to help people be the best version of themselves at work. I enjoy coaching colleagues, supporting their development and helping them overcome challenges. Seeing someone grow in confidence, learn new skills or progress in their career is incredibly rewarding.
The best thing about my role is being able to help people and make them feel valued in the workplace. Everyone wants to feel supported and appreciated, and I take pride in creating an environment where colleagues can succeed. Logistics is about much more than moving goods; it’s about people working together to make things happen.
One of the highlights of my career so far has been recently being given the opportunity to interview for a Shift Manager role. For me, this represents how far I’ve come since joining as an agency worker. It’s a reflection of the support I’ve received, the effort I’ve put in throughout my career and the opportunities that exist within logistics to continue progressing.
My advice to anyone considering a career in logistics would be to keep an open mind. There are far more opportunities available than most people realise. Whether your strengths lie in operations, technology, leadership, customer service or problem-solving, there is likely to be a role that suits you. If you’re willing to learn, work hard and support others, logistics can offer a rewarding and fulfilling career with excellent opportunities for progression.