Rob is an Operations Manager covering the North West of England and Scotland within our Tool Hire business. He joined us as an Apprentice in 2006 and has used his skills, experience and determination to gradually progress into the role of Operations Manager covering many regions.
Read Rob’s career story, and find out how you can make a difference in your career within the Travis Perkins Group.
Why did you decide to join the Travis Perkins Group?
‘I joined the Group as a Management Apprentice after deciding not to go to University. I didn't know anything about Travis Perkins when I saw the advert in the paper, as I was familiar with a different builders merchant in my hometown. The apprenticeship position with day release to college was exactly what I was after.
Within days I was hooked. I loved speaking to customers in the yard or counter and then going to the site to find out more about products and how we could make a difference to customers' businesses. Before you know it you're telling your family what bricks the house is made from or what type of plant is on a site you’ve driven past!’
What made you decide to apply for your current role?
‘Having spent 8 years as a Branch Manager (BM), the opportunity to move into a regional role and continue my development was exciting. I gained experience in day to day operations over a long period, so I was confident I could make a difference in a larger role and the challenge of working in a different department motivated me.’
Tool Hire is a growing part of our business and we’re a real player nationally. There's a real buzz in working for a growing team and it reminds me of when TP grew to become the biggest supplier of construction materials earlier in my career, with new stores, new roles and overtaking the competition.’
What do you most enjoy about your role as Operations Manager?
‘I enjoy the variety of spending time in the branches, with the teams in the mix in yards, workshops and sales counter. I also work with the external sales team meeting customer, and with the central team as we look to improve ways of working and life for colleagues.
Making a difference and seeing teams, individuals and performance grow is what it’s all about. Just being able to give colleagues who’ve worked hard and performed their next opportunity is incredibly rewarding.’
Are you doing an apprenticeship? If so, which one? And what does it involve?
‘I’m currently completing a Level 7 Apprenticeship, which involves an MBA with the Open University. I’m in the second year of 3. It's a big commitment as I give personal time as well as work time to ensure I succeed, but I'm really enjoying the process and am supported by my manager and teammates.
The Apprenticeship has helped push me out of the operational area and consider the wider business, expanding my network in the group. I’m already seeing the benefits in my business acumen and confidence to contribute and challenge.’
How has your career developed within the Group?
‘I joined in 2004 and had a great start working on my Management Apprenticeship. After 2 years, I became Assistant Branch Manager at Travis Perkins Wilmslow, and I also went on to complete an undergraduate degree part-time over two years in Business and Business management. Then the Regional Director (RD) asked me to help open the new Brownfield site at Manchester Central.
In 2010 I became Branch Manager at Travis Perkins Congleton. This was my first step in a BM role, and it was previously a loss-making store. This was my hometown branch and I was proud to achieve 3 successful years of hitting sales and profit. A few years later I moved across to the Stoke branch where I was managing a larger team and had more opportunities to bring in apprentices and develop the team.
Since March 2018 I’ve been the Operations Manager of Tool Hire North and Scotland. I’ve enjoyed a fantastic 4 years in the regional role, growing sales, profit and service. The quality of the teams and the support of the wider BM teams are fantastic.’
Why and what has kept you working with the Group?
‘We’re a people-centric business, the people make a difference; that’s why customers use TP and why colleagues stick around here. There really is a family feel and the Group's values are demonstrated by everyone, people here love to see you move up the ranks. Whenever I’ve felt it's time for a change or a new opportunity I’ve found it from inside the Group. There are countless opportunities to develop and grow if you work hard - our previous CEO originally joining as an apprentice is a testament to this! Each move has challenged me and given me the bounce back and the opportunity to grow.
Have you been involved with any of our D&I colleague networks?
‘I was recently part of a D&I reverse mentoring group where I had some fantastic sessions with a female colleague who talked to me about when she joined the business and really enlightened me on how we can make a difference. The growing allyship here is amazing to feel and real engagement in pride or black history month has made me proud to be a part of TP.’
Why not start your career as an Apprentice?
Apprenticeships at Travis Perkins provide a unique and practical approach to learning and developing your career. Whatever your passion, we have the training tools and expertise to expand your skillset.
We also spoke to Anthony who completed an Operations Compliance Support at BSS - Level 5 Management Apprenticeship. Learn more about Anthony's progression story.
Browse our available apprenticeship roles today and kick off a rewarding career!
