Name: Dennis Litherland
Job title: Senior Supervisor
Company name: Palletline
Time with current company: 23 Years
Time in current role: 1 Year 3 Months
Tell us a little about your career journey and what made you choose to work in logistics:
After a life changing accident I had to reassess my career path. Having previously dealt with logistics and distribution as a part of my previous job it was a sector I was aware of and enjoyed the processes of how it worked. So, I applied for a position with Palletline and have been with the company ever since .
What does an average day at work look like for you?
No two days are ever the same. From night to night my role and responsibilities change depending on the operational needs – I don’t always know what the night will bring. For instance; if someone is absent, I could be covering their position and spend the night running a section, working in the Quality Control (QC) area, or even driving a forklift to unload and load trailers.
However, my main role includes monitoring and responding to emails and queries from the previous day, dealing with any issues such as misrouted pallets or unreported damages. I also rove the site regularly to ensure Health and Safety regulations are being adhered to, interacting with our own staff and the visiting drivers and dealing with issues or problems that arise on shift.
Which departments do you work closely with?
Usually it will be the QC area as that is an important part of our nightly process. But I also liaise with security, Health and Safety and Human Resources.
What are the challenges of your role?
The challenges are always changing depending on circumstances. For example on a rainy night its vital to make sure all operatives are engaged in safe driving in the wet in order to ensure they are looking after their own safety and the quality of our freight.
If we have a number of absences on a busy night, the challenge is utilising the resources we have to achieve the best freight sort as possible and get our members’ drivers back on the road, reacting to situations in real-tome to ensure the best result is achieved.
What do you like / enjoy about your role?
The constant change. Although our processes are set, and followed to the letter, every night is different so I enjoy the variety. I am also happy to be in a position now to better support the operation where needed and deal with issues myself rather than seek someone to do it for me.
What are your future career plans?
I am quite content in my current position, however should the opportunity arise to move to a higher level of management I would seriously consider it as I feel I still have a lot more to offer this operation.
What would you say to someone that is considering starting a career in the logistics industry?
Do it! It is a industry that will always be required. It is also multi-faceted – so, for example, if driving a forklift doesn’t appeal there are so many other options available that would enable you to enjoy a career in logistics.