Graduate Profiles
Joanne Edwards
Regional Account Manager
Sales & Customer Service, UK
About Me
“I like the fact that CHEP is a global company, so you’re not just stuck to one place,” says Joanne Edwards, Regional Account Manager, based in CHEP’s Sale offices. “A lot of the jobs are field-based, so you might be working anywhere in the country. There are also opportunities to work abroad, since we operate all over the world. Plus, you’re able to move throughout the company. Advancement is encouraged.”
Jo grew up in Manchester, graduating from the University of Manchester with a BA honours degree in History. She’s a big fan of Manchester United FC and goes to matches quite regularly. She also enjoys the theatre and travelling on holidays – to “anywhere sunny!” She started with CHEP on the Customer Contact Team five years ago before moving to the Equipment Control team, with 10 people reporting directly to her. After a period of 2 years in this role Joanne moved to a new role in the Account Management team, which she has been enjoying for the last year. Opportunities for training and self-development are an important part of the culture at CHEP and something Jo values highly, she says. She has completed a four-month Team Leader training module and a number of courses recently aimed at sales and negotiation to help in the new role.
Working Life
As an Account Manager I am responsible for a portfolio of 26 accounts in the North Wales and Shropshire area. Through regular review meetings with the customers, I am responsible for growing these accounts with CHEP as well as being able to understand and resolve any existing issues on these accounts and build excellent relationships. Audits, report analysis, root cause investigation of queries and training, are also core tasks of Account Management which ensure the smooth running of these accounts. One of the key factors to an account running well is good pallet control. I have brought to this role 3 years of pallet control experience from my previous role which I can pass on to my customers to help benefit their relationship with CHEP.
"CHEP offers good opportunities for people to advance. The work that you do is recognized in the company," she continues. "To advance, it takes dedication, enthusiasm, and just the will to do well. We have a regular appraisal process and a system to keep people informed about opportunities as they become available." She notes that job opportunities are posted on the company's intranet.
There's a real spirit of teamwork throughout the company, she observes. "Most people work in teams - their own teams as well as cross teams with other functions and areas within the company." Team-building days and other exercises are organised to promote teamwork. "What I like best about CHEP is that they recognise individuals for the work you do. You really feel appreciated for doing a good job."