While studying Astrophysics and Geology at University, Mary Lloyd did not envisage embarking on a career in logistics. But fast forward to today, and she is a successful and award-winning DC Optimisation and Planning Manager at Poundland, based in the West Midlands.ย
โI started as an account manager for an agency that worked for Poundland,โ Mary explains. โI then applied for the position of Planning Manager, which I held for nearly six years. My current role was then advertised internally, which I immediately applied for and got the position.โ
In her current role, Mary has taken on a lot of extra responsibility, which she feels she was ready for: โMy main role is to identify areas of opportunities within the logistics network, best practice utilisation and standardised working across the network.ย ย
โI work closely with the supply chain teams and can be considered the gatekeeper to ensure smooth workings between the departments, as well as undertaking project management tasks when required.
โMy new role offers more challenges and wider exposure to the business in how we operate.ย In my previous position, I had felt I had done all I could in the role and wanted a next step forward to progress my career.โ
Although sheโs taken a completely different career path from what she originally intended when studying, some skills that were useful for her degree have come in handy while working in logistics: โI am good with numbers. I like numbers; they make sense to me. I also believe being a logical thinker helps, but not everything is black and white.ย ย
โThere are other ways of operating to achieve results, and I like to find new ways of working.ย Sometimes I find I will look for an alternative solution as I like to be different.โ
Bethany Windsor, Programme Director at Generation Logistics, comments: โMary is a prime example of studying a subject at University, but then taking a completely different career path and making it a success.ย
โIt is proof that many skills you learn at degree level are transferable to jobs in a lot of roles in logistics, which you might not initially think about while studying, but can lead to careers for life.โ
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: โLogistics is one of the fastest growing sectors in the West Midlands thanks to our prime location at the heart of the UKโs road and rail networks. Itโs also a sector thatโs an essential part of my Growth Plan to create jobs, build new homes and improve transport infrastructure.
ย โThis means more job opportunities in the region for women like Mary, who are increasingly playing a crucial role in keeping the nationโs people and goods moving.
ย โMaryโs experience also shows that by recognising your own strengths and applying transferable skills with confidence and determination, itโs never too late to pursue an alternative career path.โ
For those wanting to find out more about the opportunities available, take this quiz to see which role in logistics could fit with your future: www.generationlogistics.org/find-your-future/
