Case Studies

Case Study - Barry Foster

What were your expectations of Stobart Group before joining?

I saw that there were great opportunities for progression. Coming straight out of university I wanted to work for a company which had operations across the UK, giving me geographical flexibility to settle in either the north or south in the future.

How has your role developed over time?

I began in 2005 as an administrator / dispatch clerk. Since starting I have been lucky enough to have had plenty of opportunities presented to me and have worked across many different teams / departments, enabling me to gain a range of experience. My current role is working as Strategic Planning Manager to the UK Ambient Fleet in the Forecasting Team.

What is the best thing about working for Stobart Group?

It has to be the people, the positive morale and the sense of common purpose is clear through all levels of Stobart Group.

What advice would you give to potential applicants?

Be willing to work hard and have an inquisitive mind!

What would a ‘normal’ day look like in your current role?

My normal working day begins at 8am and ends at 6pm.

The first hour or so of the day consists of analysis of the daily profits / customer forecasts and service levels (amongst other figures), in preparation for the two morning conference calls to planning divisions across all regions.

Following these conference calls, any issues that are identified are addressed and any action points raised are then worked upon. The remainder of the day is utilised in the preparation of strategic points, for example looking at vehicle numbers and delivery stratagem.

Describe Stobart Group in three words

Innovative, Efficient, Dynamic.

What do you see as being the core strengths of Stobart Group?

The completeness of the service we offer clients. We are the epitome of a ‘one-stop shop’. We have it all under one roof from transportation to storage.

What are the greatest challenges you have had to overcome in your role?

The adverse weather conditions in the run up to Christmas 2010 were really testing on the Group as a whole. This is where the expertise of staff was really called upon to find innovate solutions to fulfil customer deliveries. It was inspiring to see how everyone in the business just ‘mucked in’ to get the job done.

In your own words explain what the Management Development Programmes mean to you?

It’s a platform to build your career development upon. It has been recognised both internally within the business by senior management and externally by accreditation by a higher education institution. I am confident that the learning opportunities will pay dividends in my future career progression.

When people find out you work for Stobart Group do they assume we just drive trucks?

Yes! But they find it interesting when I explain our various business functions. With the assistance of the television series, the Group is being recognised for more and more of its divisions and services. Stobart Group has so much more to offer!

Case Study - Waqar Aziz

What attracted you to Stobart Group?

I was already aware of the iconic brand and of the reputation as a leading haulage company. The position advertised seemed to define the role not just as a ‘job’ but as an opportunity to build a career within an international multi-model organisation.

What is the best thing about working for Stobart Group?

The trust and responsibility given to individuals right from the word ‘go’.

What have you learnt by being part of Stobart Group?

In addition to honing my technical job specific IT skills, I have been fortunate enough to be able to refine my general people skills and gain a broader understanding of the logistics industry.

What advice would you give to potential applicants?

Don`t be afraid to be utilise your previous experience and challenge processes. Who knows, your suggestion could be the beginning of a major improvement in company procedure. Stobart Group is a forward thinking company which welcomes change and development!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I want to keep my options open; I can see myself either going down a career path with a technical or business bias. In either case I want to be managing projects which deliver sizeable returns for the business.

What are the greatest challenges you have had to overcome in your role?

Having learnt the technical theory whilst studying at university, the greatest challenge I have had was more of a personal battle; learning to successfully apply that technical theory to real world business applications.

When people find out you work for Stobart Group do they assume we just drive trucks?

Yes – Indeed they do! But I am quick on the reply and begin to take them through the various business functions that we as a Group engage with.