Gregor Hoodless - HGV Mechanic
What does a typical day at Woodsides look like for you?
7-00am start and wait for the madness to begin!! The first couple of hours would be taken up clearing defects to get drivers away and then we’d move over to the routine maintenance of the trailer fleet. Recently I’ve also been spending a couple of hours on paperwork at the end of the day.
How long have you worked for the company?
I’ve worked for Woodsides full time for 33½ years. Before I officially started work at 16 years old I used to come in evenings and weekends washing vehicles and getting under people’s feet as my father worked for Woodsides!
What do you like most about your job?
I suppose the one thing that’s stands out is the variety of work involved, one day I might be using my joinery skills to repair the bed of a trailer and the next day my electrical skills re-wiring the lights on a vehicle. There was also the time I had to drive a Formula Ford track car across the industrial estate at Preston because I was the only one who would fit in it!
Karen McNeilly - GB Traffic Planner
What is your role within the business?
GB Traffic Planner
How long have you been at Woodside Logistics Group?
I originally joined in 2002 in a key account role and left in 2004 to do some travelling. I came back in 2005 and have been here ever since!
What does a typical day at work involve?
Primarily liaising with both drivers and customers. Customers to advise of and arrange deliveries, and drivers to plan and allocate those deliveries to. Mornings are spent speaking to customers; making sure their deliveries are going to be made in the correct time frame. Afternoons focus on planning the fleet to meet the requirements of our customers. In addition I will also ensure tractor units and trailers are made available to the workshop for their regular service and inspection, and also source back loads for any of our vehicles travelling a bit further afield. This means a typical day is very busy. A large part of the day is spent on the phone, and you really don’t see the day go in. Obviously customers will have queries and drivers will have problems, all of which need rectified as quickly as possible. Time management is key to ensuring the day goes well!
Why did you take up a role in the logistics sector?
When I was finishing school I was undecided as to what career path I wanted to follow. The transportation degree was brought to my attention by my careers advisor at school and I decided to give it a go. The transportation sector is so huge and there are so many industries within it, all of which are very interesting and challenging, not forgetting hugely important! On a large scale, transport is required so that commerce and trade exist, but on a smaller scale and in my day-to-day role, myself and my colleagues are responsible for everyone having access to goods and services that are generally taken for granted.
What advice would you give to other women who are looking for their next career move?
A role in logistics offers the opportunity to work in a fast paced environment in an industry where on-time deliveries are only one key component. You gain many skills, not only in the transportation of goods, but other opportunities revolving around all key aspects of business from marketing/comms/analysis/finance. It’s an industry that works in real-time, it’s quick moving, requires good communication and decision making skills, and if you thrive on this you will do well. If you have the time to invest in a company that is committed to re-investing in you, you will excel. The rewards are limitless!
