One of the greatest perks about working within the Travis Perkins Group is the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in a variety of areas, even if you have no previous experience in the industry. Working can be a huge part of your life, so whatever your background, we’ll endeavour to help you find something that you enjoy doing.
In addition to that, we also want your working hours to be suitable for you and your lifestyle. We understand that you may have family requirements, studies, or other commitments that you need to work around, so at BSS, and throughout our Group, we’ll do our best to offer flexible working arrangements to ensure you have the work/life balance you’re looking for.
Below, a few of our BSS colleagues discuss how they have enjoyed flexible working arrangements, developing their careers, and learning new skills at their own pace; benefits that have encouraged them to stay with us for a number of years.
Kirti - Internal Branch Sales Assistant, Sheffield
Kirti started working at BSS three years ago because she wanted a change from her role at the time and wanted to try something new, in a totally different industry. ‘I applied to BSS and it has been a very positive journey, despite the challenges of working through a pandemic.’ Hybrid ways of working, which have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have really made a difference to some of our colleagues' lives.
As an Internal Branch Sales Assistant, Kirti’s role involves a lot of face to face interactions and close contact with customers. ‘Although core tasks are defined in my role, no two days are the same. I love this about my job. Every task that we do requires a different approach.’ Even though she has no previous industry experience, Kirti says that the information she needs to effectively perform her job is readily available so that she can learn at her own pace. If you’re considering a career change, lots of our employees choose to start with an Apprenticeship as it gives them a good foundation to build their career upon.
Karen - Regional Operations Manager, M62/North region
When Karen returned from maternity leave she decided to go part-time, job-sharing her role with another colleague. She remained part-time through a second maternity break and through her children’s early years until being offered the chance to become Regional Operations Support Manager, a full-time role.
‘I got the job, but it was a real challenge - not only going back to full-time work, but being away from my young family. I was fortunate to have a good family support network around me and a husband who was able to manage the home when I needed to be away as my patch covered Scotland, Ireland and the North of England!’
Following this, Karen was seconded onto the project team that was setting up the new National Admin Team at BSS Head Office, something that (in her words) has been a real benefit to her career. ‘Out of my comfort zone, I learned a lot and raised my profile within the business. Opportunities for career progression are always there - you just need to be prepared to apply.’
Lydia - General Manager, Cross Point
Lydia has been with the company for five and a half years and has just moved into the role of General Manager in our Cross Point Tube Distribution Centre. I’ve recently been appointed to this role; it's something I have been working towards but did not think I would be able to achieve at the age I am. When I first joined I knew nothing about the industry and had never even stepped foot in a warehouse before.’
A significant moment for Lydia recently was starting a Masters Degree in Supply Chain and Logistics at Cranfield University, which was offered to her by the business. ‘This will be a huge addition to the level of knowledge I have and allow me a deeper understanding of Supply Chain.’
Jeanette - Assistant Branch Manager, Wirral
Since Jeannette’s first day with BSS in 1990, she has gained a wealth of experience, and enjoyed both career development and opportunities to work flexibility to suit her family’s needs. Following some time initially spent as an Order Controller, Jeanette tried her hand in sales, admin, and stock control.
‘After the birth of my second child, I decided it might be time for a change but the Regional Director at the time asked if I would stay on and come back on a part-time basis. Initially this was a challenge, juggling family and work commitments, but with the support of a new manager I remained part-time until my daughter started school. During this time I became the company’s first part-time Assistant Branch Manager - proving that more senior roles can be available to those working part-time.’
Have you been inspired by our colleagues' stories?
BSS is evolving, and our commitment to diversity and inclusion means more than just words. We’re putting meaning behind our strategies by encouraging our people to develop their careers at their own pace, and to work around their personal needs, because having a good work/life balance in the modern world is crucial for your overall well being.
Find out more about our part-time and flexible working arrangements, or browse all of our available jobs at BSS today.
