CEVA

Before I began my logistics career, I was actually training in hairdressing. Logistics was only supposed to be something I did part-time—but it quickly became so much more than that. From my first day, I was drawn to the fast pace, the teamwork, and the sense of achievement that comes from seeing operations run smoothly and efficiently.

I joined CEVA 12 years ago as an agency colleague, supporting a leading power cleaning customer. This hands-on, practical work gave me a fundamental understanding of the value of every role in the supply chain. Even at that early stage, I could see logistics’ opportunities for those willing to learn and grow.

Eager to develop, I became a Team Leader and soon after was promoted to a Supervisor, managing the same area where I had first started on the shop floor. That experience was incredibly grounding. It taught me the importance of empathy, communication, and leading by example.

After several years of progression, I became the Operations Manager for our Corby site. During my six years there, I learned how to balance people management with operational excellence and discovered just how rewarding it can be to help others grow in their careers.

Looking for new challenges, I moved to Dartford as a Campus Warehouse Operations Manager, where I spent two years managing a broad and busy operation. It was an excellent opportunity to expand my experience and strengthen my leadership skills.

Two years ago, I joined our Kettering team as Head of Operations. I lead a fantastic team focused on safety, performance, and continuous improvement. Alongside my role, I’m now one year into my Level 7 Senior Leader Master’s Degree—a qualification that will help me enhance my strategic thinking and leadership capability as I progress in my logistics journey.

Looking back, I’m so glad I took that “part-time” opportunity all those years ago. Logistics has given me a career full of growth, challenge, and purpose. My journey proves that there’s no single path into this industry—if you’re open-minded, motivated, and ready to learn, logistics can take you further than you ever expected.

Alice works across operations to spot, assess and reduce risk so supply chains stay resilient and people, assets and reputation are protected. Partnering with teams from frontline operations to senior leadership, she strengthens processes, builds compliance, and embeds a proactive, risk-aware culture that helps CEVA deliver reliable, secure and sustainable logistics for customers.

Alice’s route into logistics wasn’t linear. After a BSc in Equestrian Psychology & Sports Science and an MRes in Equine Performance at Nottingham Trent University, she moved from insurance into risk, joining CEVA as an Insurance & Risk Technician before stepping up to Risk Manager. Along the way she earned the International Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management and a Business Continuity Institute (CBCI) certificate, credentials that now underpin her day-to-day decision-making.

Her academic background sharpened the skills she uses constantly: recognising patterns, analysing data, and communicating findings clearly. Early roles in veterinary practice and retail taught her to challenge the status quo—questioning processes, seeking efficiencies, and driving practical improvements to reduce operational, financial and regulatory exposure.

What she loves most is the variety: no two days are the same. One moment she’s refining governance and continuity plans; the next, she’s supporting teams through change or advising leaders on emerging risks. Recent highlights include earning her IRM certificate, promotion to Risk Manager for the UK, Ireland and Nordics, and being recognised as a high performer – milestones that reflect real impact and fuel her ambition to keep raising the bar for risk management in logistics.

As a Supply Chain Management Degree Apprentice, I currently work within CEVA Logistics’ transport operation for a leading global OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). This operation involves the time-critical delivery and collection of aftermarket car parts to and from retailers across the UK. My day-to-day responsibilities include a mix of hands-on operational learning and structured development across various functions. I am actively involved in managing and supporting driver training and compliance, ensuring all drivers are briefed and up to date with safety, legal, and procedural requirements. This includes helping to coordinate inductions, monitoring training progress, and assisting with the implementation of best practices. I am also gaining valuable exposure to each role within the transport operation, including transport planning, administrative tasks, customer service, and other people-related responsibilities. By working closely with a wide variety of people in the company, I’m developing a strong understanding of how each part of the operation contributes to service performance and customer satisfaction. My role is continuously developing my communication and problem-solving skills in line with the rapidly changing requirements. Beyond the OEM operation, I am also continuously exploring the wider CEVA business to broaden my understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes. This includes learning about contract logistics, freight management, and business functions within CEVA’s central operations. I have had the opportunity to travel up and down the country to see other operations, attend events, conferences and be a part of projects. Though I do not have a set rotation, I will be able to explore broader business interests. This wider exposure is helping me to develop a well-rounded view of the logistics industry, while linking theory from my degree studies directly to real-world operations.

To get to my current position, I needed 3 A Levels at grade C or above. I found the role on Indeed and I was attracted as the position offered four years of continuous learning and development within the business, starting from scratch. It’s not expected of you to have the experience, but it’s there to provide you the experience and therefore become an asset to the company. Having some sort of financial security/freedom at such a young age while still experiencing university made me desire “the best of both worlds” During secondary school, I gained a few years of experience working in hospitality, which involved working with people and dealing with unexpected challenges. Each day differed, which is similar to the variability found in transport operations. While the roles are quite distinct, both require strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. The structured environment at school was something I became accustomed to, and currently, my training plan and apprenticeship programme provide a similar sense of structure rather than complete self-management or flexibility. I enjoy collaborating in a team, growing up playing multiple team sports, netball and football, replicates the teamwork skills required in the working environment of a logistics operation.

The best thing about my role is the genuine support and opportunities I have received from colleagues, managers and senior leaders who are more than willing to help me on my development journey. My career highlight to date has been being recognised and winning an award in the CEVA Northwest Europe Ground & Rail Quarter 1 Business Awards 2025.