"My name is Jake Woodcock. I work for BSS and I've been the General Manager at the Magna Park Distribution Centre in Lutterworth since March 2022. This is similar to my previous role as General Manager of the National Tube Distribution Centre in Coventry, but now I'm responsible for a much larger site and headcount.
The National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Lutterworth stocks around 20,000 products ranging from boilers, valves, controls, pumps, clips and bracketry and a whole lot more. Then we have a National Tube Distribution Centre in Coventry which stocks over 700 different types and sizes of tube. The tube NDC is very unique and is truly best-in-class.
My experience in the Army
I joined the Army in May 2006, enlisting with the Royal Engineers. I carried out my Phase 1 basic training in Lichfield Army Training Regiment (ATR) for 14 weeks. I then moved onto my Phase 2 ‘Combat Engineer’ training at 3 RSME (Royal School of Military Engineering) Gibraltar Barracks in Surrey which lasted 10 weeks. Finally, I went on to the 1 RSME, Brompton Barracks, Chatham to do my Phase 3 ‘trade training’ where I learnt the skills to become a bricklayer and concreter.
I was then posted in Wiltshire before my squadron was deployed on Operation Herrick 10 for 6 months where I spent most of my time in the Nad-e-Ali area of Helmand. We provided engineer support to the infantry operations in the area and helped build and set up numerous patrol bases and forward operating bases. I was also involved in Operation Panther's Claw with the aim of securing control of various canal and river crossings and establishing a lasting international security assistance force presence. Then in May 2010, my regiment deployed to Kenya for a three-month tour where we were constructing accommodation for British troops who were doing pre-deployment training.
Life after the military at Travis Perkins
I left the Army in November 2010 with some experience as a tradesman but without a clear idea of what I wanted to do, until I saw a job advertised for a Warehouse Operative at BSS National Tube Distribution Centre in Coventry. I started the role within a couple of weeks and recognised early on that not only did I have a job, I also had the opportunity for a career. I demonstrated that I was keen to progress quickly and my hard work paid off because after 12 months I was promoted to a Team Leader. I was in that role for just 8 months before securing a Warehouse Supervisor position.
Then in August 2016, I was given the opportunity to move across to our other Distribution Centre in Lutterworth as an Operations Manager. My role was to manage and coordinate the day to day operations of the warehouse teams within the National Distribution Centre and manage the shifts of over 50 colleagues. Two years later, the NDC Manager role came up at Cross Point and I returned to where it all started, this time as the General Manager. My role there was to provide clear communication and direction to all colleagues whilst liaising with other teams within the supply chain. I gave leadership to all operational colleagues and fostered an environment of continuous improvement and adapting to the ever changing needs of the business. I also ensured the warehouse operation was run safely, efficiently, within budget and deliver the agreed standards of KPIs and service level agreements. Now my role incorporates all this and more, as I am responsible for a wider remit.
Having gone full circle, back to where it all began, it was great to see how the investment in the site paid off and made it a more efficient and safer place to work. The hard work hasn’t stopped there and the team have been brilliant at adapting to the challenges that 2020 sent our way. During the COVID-19 pandemic we supplied tubing to the Nightingale hospitals, food processing companies and Royal Navy ships. A common theme I’ve seen during my time at BSS – and something I’ve really noticed recently – is that when there is a challenge, people pull together.
And on a personal level, I am now nearly two years into my Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship with the Open University. I knew I wanted to further my development and the Travis Perkins Group have hugely supported my decision, enabling me to work at home every Wednesday in order to get my university work done in the afternoon.
The opportunities for progression are there for the taking
With multiple brands under the Travis Perkins Group, the career opportunities are endless. Since joining BSS, I’ve had numerous opportunities for personal development with the most enjoyable course being a LEAN Practitioner course which focussed on LEAN Warehousing Techniques to eliminate waste in processes and remove non-value added tasks. There are also numerous benefits including a colleague discount card which saves you money at Wickes and Toolstation, plus online access to ‘MyPerks’ where you can get discount and cashback off everyday purchases. The Group also offers the cycle to work scheme, Sharesave schemes and so much more
A great career opportunity for any ex-Armed Forces
The roles available within the Group are so diverse and I would recommend anyone leaving the Armed Forces to seriously consider Travis Perkins as a place to work. I never envisaged when I started in 2010 as a Warehouse Operative that in 7 years I would be in an Operations Manager role. Now, I have to remind myself to take a step back and see how much progress we’ve made in the last few years.
When I started in this role there was a lot that could be improved and thanks to the team, who have been really forthcoming with their ideas, it’s a much nicer and safer environment to work in. Though the bonds you form with your team in the Army are so unique, I’m confident in saying that we have an extremely strong team culture at Travis Perkins, one where no one is afraid to challenge the norm. I have worked hard to get where I am and have received the most amazing support from BSS along the way."
Embark on a new career at BSS
BSS is a great place to embark on a career change. As Jake explains, it’s about putting the hard work in and you get so much back in return. To find out more about how we support ex-Armed Forces map out career path at Travis Perkins read Dan’s story. Alternatively, if you're ready to apply, browse our branch, store and showroom jobs today.
