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60 Second Interview: Removals manager

For Emma, problem solving is the most challenging and the most rewarding part of her job moving customers' belonging across the world with removals company Pickfords. If you've got people skills and a knack for finding an answer to every problem, read on for Emma's advice on how to begin a career in transport and logistics

Emma from PickfordsName: Emma Bowen

Company: Pickfords

Industry: Transport and logistics

What is your job: International move manager

How long have you been doing this job? 5 years 

Education: Business studies level 3 NVQ and team management level 2 NVQ

1. What was your very first job?

In an estate agent as part of my NVQ. I was learning how estate agencies work and their day-to-day role.

2. What did you want to do when you were at school?

I wanted to be a hairdresser but decided through my education that I would prefer working in an office.

3. How did you find out about the industry?

I found out about the industry whilst studying for my NVQ. I hadn’t previously considered working in the industry but it has worked out well for me.

4. How did you get there?

I studied for my business studies NVQ which gave me the basic skills to be able to work in the office. I applied for an office assistant role at Pickfords and then had to go for an interview. I was offered the role and accepted. From this, I worked my way up to a move manager and now am currently doing an apprenticeship with them whilst working.

5. What is a typical day like in a removals job?

My commute into work usually takes around an hour in the car.

My job is to be a central point of contact to a customer moving overseas and I have to liase with both the customer and agents to ensure we get the best rates for our customers.

I take the initial enquiry from a customer either from a phone call or a web enquiry and arrange a quotation for them. After we have an idea of what the customer is moving then I send them a quote. We then have to allow up the quote and if the customer wishes to book then I have to arrange this with operations and the shipping lines. Once booked, I create the invoice and take payment.

I am in constant contact with my customer throughtout their move from their initial enquiry right through to when they are settled in their new home abroad. I had to learn how to use our company online system for booking removals and this was complicated at first but it does get easier so learning computer skills at school would be beneficial.

6. What’s the best thing about your job?

I love the team I work with. We all help and support each other. The most rewarding thing about my job is seeing jobs from the start to the finish and dealing with any problems as they arise to seek solutions.

7. What is the most challenging thing about a removals job?

It would have to be finding solutions to problems as they arise. Some issues are easy to solve but other logistical issues take longer to resolve and need a larger solution.

8. What advice do you have for people who want to get into a removals job?

I would advise someone who would like to join the removals industry to gain as many qualifications as they can whilst at school so they already have an understanding of computers and literacy skills before they join an office.

Also, having a keen interest in the world and geography is beneficial as you will be working with customers moving to different countries everyday so it is helpful to be able to discuss this with them.

9. What things do you wish you’d known before starting your career?

I wish that I’d had the time to travel before my apprenticeship started so that I could relate to some of the clients I work with and the destinations they are moving to. This would have been a great addition to my skills.

10.  Where would you like to be in 5 years?

I would like to be managing a department. Preferably an international department where I can use all the skills that I have learnt through the five years of working in Pickfords.

Emma's interview shows that removals jobs can be exciting, challenging and rewarding. If you've got a knack for solving problems and dealing with people, find out how you could begin a career in transport and logistics.

Image credits

https://www.flickr.com/photos/128772241@N07/15579124992