Warehouse Team Manager

Thomas Booth

Economics

Placement (10 Months+)

Gist Ltd

What was the interview process like?

The interview process was very fluid and informative; it consisted of a telephone interview, depot day and assessment centre. At every stage I felt that I was having a two way conversation, the process was very much focused on determining whether I would fit into the environment and the team.

How much responsibility were you given?

I was given a lot of responsibility, more than I expected actually! I had a team of 11 to directly manage in the warehouse, but given the role required oversight of the whole warehouse I could be managing it on my own for half a day or more.

What advice would you give to someone applying for your role?

Be ready for a challenge, your placement can be as big as you’re willing to make it! The team around you will support you but will not hold you back; if you have the drive and passion to make the placement your own you can develop some fantastic skills.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Getting to understand the dynamics of the environment, the role is very much people-focused and coming in with zero experience was a little daunting. The management team has enormous amounts of experience though and was always there to support and advise me.

Where has your experience exceeded your expectations?

The level of responsibility and projects I’ve been given! Over the Christmas period I managed the equipment operation for Scotland which was both a daunting challenge but a phenomenal insight into managing a 24 hour operation. It pushed me to really develop my people skills over an intense 2 months.

What did you most enjoy about your role?

I love a challenge and the depot offers a new one every day, you don’t know what you’re going to walk into each day which means that you need to be very adaptable. It’s a high pressure environment that requires decisions to be made quickly but correctly - you’re constantly learning.

What was the atmosphere like in your team?

The team environment was great; the mix of management styles gave me an insight into how different approaches to the role impact the environment in the depot. The team was very supportive of me, but were confident enough to allow me to act autonomously.

How promising are the graduate prospects?

The graduate prospects are very good at Gist, a large proportion of senior managers have been through the scheme and value it highly. It’s a 2 year scheme, but if I am offered a place after my degree it would be shortened to 18 months.