- Mary Lloyd moved from studying science to a senior logistics role
- Now leads planning and optimisation work at Poundland
- Credits logical thinking and adaptability for her progression
- Her story reflects changing career paths across the West Midlands
Not every career follows a straight line. For Mary Lloyd, what began in lecture halls studying Astrophysics and Geology has led somewhere entirely different, but no less grounded in logic and problem-solving.
A Change in Direction
Mary Lloyd did not set out to work in logistics. At university, her focus was firmly on science. But like many early careers, the first step after graduation opened an unexpected door.
“I started as an account manager for an agency that worked for Poundland,” she explains. “I 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.”
What followed was not a sudden leap, but a steady progression built on curiosity, confidence, and a willingness to try something new.
Finding Strength in Familiar Skills
Although the subject matter changed, some of the underlying skills remained constant. Lloyd describes a natural affinity with numbers and logic, something rooted in her academic background.
“I 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.”
That balance, between structure and flexibility, now shapes how she approaches her work.
“There are other ways of operating to achieve results, and I like to find new ways of working. Sometimes I find I will look for an alternative solution as I like to be different.”
Growing Into the Role
In her current position at Poundland, Lloyd’s responsibilities have expanded beyond day-to-day planning. Her work now sits across teams, connecting departments and identifying where improvements can be made.
“My main role is to identify areas of opportunities within the logistics network, best practice utilisation and standardised working across the network.
“I 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.”
The move into this role came at a point where she felt ready for more.
“My new role offers more challenges and wider exposure to the business in how we operate. 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.”
A Broader Shift in Careers
Lloyd’s experience reflects a wider reality for many professionals. Career paths are rarely fixed, and skills developed in one field often find relevance in another.
Bethany Windsor, from Generation Logistics, said:
“Mary is a prime example of studying a subject at University, but then taking a completely different career path and making it a success.
“It 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.”
Regional leaders have also pointed to logistics as an area of continued growth, creating new opportunities for those willing to step outside their original plans.
Final thoughts
For Lloyd, the journey from science student to logistics manager was not mapped out in advance. Instead, it has been shaped by recognising strengths, taking opportunities, and adapting along the way. Her story offers a clear example that careers can evolve in unexpected directions, without losing the skills that started them.
