Having a ‘can do’ attitude and being open to ideas and opportunities can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career.
GXO is the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider, offering cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the world’s most successful companies. A pure-play company is one that only operates in one sector.
Do you want to work alongside inspiring people, while feeling valued and trusted? GXO is an equal opportunities employer, committed to providing a diverse, world-class workplace for more than 40,000 team members in the UK and Ireland across over 290 facilities. We’re seeking talented people to join our operations in a variety of roles. Our greatest strength is our people – energetic, innovative individuals of all experience levels and talents who make GXO a great place to work.
Can you tell us about yourself and why you chose a STEM related career?
I studied Business and Finance at Lincoln University as I was considering a career in finance; maths was always my go-to subject. In my final year, I found the GXO graduate scheme, and began investigating a logistics career. The focus on technology and the variety of opportunities attracted me.
How would you explain the role of logistics in everyday life?
The country as we know it would not work without logistics! We help to keep shelves stocked and online orders fulfilled! The pandemic helped to highlighted just how important our logistics profession is. It’s a fascinating sector to be part of with so many opportunities for development.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I always wanted to be a comedian when I was younger, but instead I went with what I was best at: numbers. Within a year of working at GXO, I secured an Assistant Finance Manager role. There are so many routes for progression; my next goal is Finance Manager.
What does your current job involve?
I discovered GXO when looking for jobs after uni. From my research, it was clear it’s a great place to work, and I was excited about the prospect of learning about a new industry. I originally joined the graduate scheme, starting in head office in the central finance team, moving to credit control, and finally becoming Assistant Finance Manager after one year. Now I look after the weekly accounts on a large customer contract.
What is the most inspiring thing you have experienced at work?
On the graduate scheme, I visited our flagship digital distribution centre. It was the first time I had seen the technology that GXO offers, and it was incredible to see the automation in action. The team is dedicated to finding the right innovations to help customers transform their supply chains; our technology is genuinely game changing.
Are there any experiences that you found particularly valuable in the early stages of your career?
I think the best thing I ever did was originally join the graduate scheme, as this provided me with the basis to network with people around the business and try to understand how things worked. In addition to this, I had the opportunity to visit quite a few different warehouses, ranging from fully automated to fully manned operations. Seeing the different innovations and ways of working really helped to bring my role to life and put it in context.
What has been the biggest challenge and greatest achievement of your career to date?
I think the biggest challenge for me was going straight into a new sector fresh out of university and getting stuck in from day one with the fixed assets team – it’s a great way to learn. My greatest achievement is securing my role as Assistant Finance Manager.
How does the work that GXO does impact the world around us?
We help customers make the most of their supply chains by improving the flow of goods, from ecommerce fulfilment and flexible distribution to warehouse automation and reverse logistics.
What advice do you have for students navigating their career journeys?
Be open to new development opportunities; there are so many ways to shape your career, and so many paths to take. One size does not fit all, and it is a case of finding what most motivates and interests you; you should try as many options as you can. Being young you can move around, find what you like best and build from there.
Do you have a top tip for young people looking to work in a role like yours?
I’d say get to know as many people as you can, have a can-do attitude and be sure to leave a good impression. Also, keep an open mind. There are so many different options to develop your career – it may not be a linear path.
Moving into logistics was the best decision I ever made. There are so many ways to develop your career. I am currently completing my CIMA Level 7 qualification, and then plan to build my Power BI skills. Finance is just one of the endless list of jobs on offer. Enjoy the journey.
Josh James
Assistant Finance Manager, GXO
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