There are more careers in logistics than you might think.
1 in 12, or 8% of the UK’s workforce are in logistics. There are thousands of different career paths and job opportunities that support the logistics process. We’ll be speaking to people from across the industry about what it means to work in logistics, how they entered the industry, why they chose to work in the sector, how they see the future developing and why they believe logistics is a great career choice.
HR Director at the RHA discusses how vital HGV drivers are to the logistics industry, the wide range of careers on offer in a sector that employs over 2.5 million people in the UK and the importance of engaging with young people.
Learning to drive is one of the most rewarding personal investments you can make for yourself or your employees. This year, RHA Driver Training in Scotland will help over 170 people upskill and transition into Road Haulage jobs, through our range of training courses and Apprenticeships, click here for more info.
The team at CS Ellis, a family logistics business that has been operating since 1933, talk to us about the opportunities available with apprenticeships. They have trained over 100 apprenticeships of all ages, and understand first-hand the benefits, skills development and career prospects that the qualification offers.
Prior to entering the transport and logistics sector I was a student at City University, London where I studied journalism and sociology. You could certainly argue that there are big differences between the two fields of transport and journalism, but the one thing that runs through both is their fast-moving nature, and the need to think, plan and react quickly in order to meet strict deadlines.
I initially started at Fowler Welch as a Stock Controller in 2009. This role was my introduction to the FMCG industry, and it gave me the opportunity to understand the operation and environment. It allowed me to really appreciate the amount of moving parts and processes in place to get orders out of the door.
I entered the industry by chance, at a time when I was looking for a new career direction. Subsequent to my graduation from University, and prior to my career at FW, I had only worked in the public sector. One role was in local Government in the benefits and revenues department and following that I taught key stage 2 pupils in primary education, before I made the positive decision to take a different career path.
I started at Fowler Welch in 2002 as a Purchase Ledger Clerk. I had previously been working in telesales and found that not only did I not have any job satisfaction, but I also felt that my career would not go anywhere. I needed a change, so despite having no accounting experience or knowledge of a haulage company, I applied for the entry level role at FW.
I almost fell into the industry by accident, as when I finished my A-Levels I initially began training to become an accountant. However, I knew immediately that it wasn’t the right environment for me, so I began actively searching for careers in other areas. I came across the Transport Clerk role at Fowler Welch, and after a successful interview I began working at the company in November 2007.
I have always been interested in the transport industry as I have witnessed my grandfather, father and auntie all have careers as LGV Drivers. However, the substantial cost of obtaining a Class 1 licence was daunting, so after leaving school I followed my father into the construction industry instead. In 2018, at the age of 26, I came across the Fowler Welch LGV Driver apprenticeship and discovered that as part of the scheme, they funded the Class 1 licence acquisition costs that would enable me to become an LGV Driver.
LGV Driver
Average salary: £30,000
Description:
A large goods vehicle driver is responsible for moving materials and products from A to B in a timely and safe manner. Often, drivers will be required to transport goods internationally and will travel all over the UK and the world for their job. This role requires organisational and time management skills for planning routes, shift patterns and delivery schedules. Having a keen eye for detail, an interest in mechanical systems and an ability to work independently will also help you to have a successful career in driving.
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Imports / Exports Clerk
Average salary: £22,500
Description:
An imports / exports clerk is responsible for managing data for international shipments and for supporting the many stages of the supply chain process. They will help with shipping and receiving goods and are required to keep records of transactions. Most of a clerk’s time is spent in an office environment but will often be required to attend site visits. This role requires excellent coordination and people management skills, strong personal motivation, organisational skills and an ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
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Supply Chain Analyst
Average salary: £25,000
Description:
The responsibility of a supply chain analyst is to increase efficiency, reduce costs and help to make sure that the business is running as smoothly and profitably as possible. An analyst will create processes and methods to gather supply chain data and help to develop requirements and standards to improve the business. They will help to forge trusted relationships with strategic partners. This role therefore requires excellent research, communication and analytical skills, and an attention to detail.
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Forklift Operator
Average salary: £18,000
Description:
The role of the forklift operator is to move, load and unload materials and products around the warehouse and onto vehicles ready for transportation. Forklift operators are required to act efficiently and responsibly and should help colleagues in maintaining a safe and orderly warehouse environment. This role requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a team and will require some health and safety training.
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Senior Transport Planner
Average salary: £40-45,000
Description:
The senior transport planner is responsible for the efficient planning and execution of temperature controlled full loads and groupage transport throughout the UK. This role also involves the management of drivers and at times will require interaction with customers via email and over the phone. Some experience of working within the transport and logistics industries will be required for this role, as well as a Transport Manager CPC qualification.
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HR Manager
Average salary: £32-55,000
Description:
A HR manager is responsible for recruiting, planning, managing talent and developing training plans which will help to improve skills and capabilities within the business. People are at the heart of any business and it’s the role of the HR manager to recruit and develop people to drive business performance. Working in HR requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a passion for working with people.
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Buyer
Average salary: £32-35,000
Description:
A buyer is required to work closely with merchandisers, to help ensure that the right products are selected for purchase. They are ultimately in charge of making key decisions throughout the buying process in order to help grown the business and make profit. Buyers are responsible for finding the right suppliers for the job, selecting new products, reviewing old products and pitching new ideas to management. Buyers need to have excellent interpersonal skills, should be organised and have a flair for research and analysis.
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Social Media Manager
Average salary: £30-35,000
Description:
As a Social Media Manager you’ll own, create and deliver social marketing campaigns, build brand awareness and manage all social content. The person would need to demonstrate exceptional knowledge of all social media platforms. In addition to a strong strategic understanding, excellent data analysis skills are essential to track campaign success. This role would drive and maintain the growth of a company’s social media networks.
Ways to get started:
Vehicle Mechanic
Average salary: £32-40,000
Description:
A vehicle mechanic carries out essential servicing and maintenance on all vehicles within the fleet of a company.
A vehicle mechanic will have to be able to cope with the day to day pressures that a normal vehicle workshop brings and be able to make decisions when faced with breakdowns or vehicle accidents.
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Business Development Manager
Average salary: £32-42,000
Description:
A business development manager is responsible for developing strategic partners, writing proposals and identifying new sales leads for the business. A business development manager should be passionate about driving the business forward and will often be required to confidently take the business into new areas. They are required to be outgoing, creative and should have excellent interpersonal skills for nurturing partnerships and brokering deals.
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Road Haulage Association
Roadway House
Bretton Way
Bretton
Peterborough
PE3 8DD
Tel: 01733 261131
Email: headoffice@rha.uk.net
