Success Story – John Jones
In the third of our series of Woodstock Success stories, we spoke to John Jones, our Warehouse Operations Manager who talks us through his role within the business, and how his role has developed over time.
Can you share a bit about your background and how you started with the company, and how has your role evolved since then?
Before joining Woodstock, I spent my career working in superstore retailing holding multiple different management roles, across warehouse operations, shop floor operations and home delivery.
I joined Woodstock in 2019 as a Night Manager with responsibility for leading a team to deliver the night operation focusing on service delivery through picking, packing, and loading.
Over the last 4 years I have had the opportunity to progress my career at Woodstock and firstly moved from night management to become the Warehouse Dayshift Manager. I was then fortunate enough to be given the chance to develop into the role of Installations Manager and most recently I was promoted to become the Operations Manager for both Warehouse and Installations.
Can you highlight some projects you’ve completed that you are proud of?
My career at Woodstock has provided exposure to numerous project management opportunities. One project I am particularly proud of was the introduction of an installations process to improve the productivity of the team which resulted in a 25% increase year on year of bathroom installations.
Another memorable project was the successful implementation of a space generation plan which resulted in the creation of space to hold over 800 new lines.
How do you contribute to the overall success and satisfaction of our customers?
Customer satisfaction is a priority for my role and for all the Warehouse Operations team as we can only consistently deliver for the customer if all the team are focused on putting the customer first. Our results are measured through the monitoring of key performance indicators. Fundamental to this is the delivery of services on time and in full.
In what ways has the company supported your professional development and growth?
I have had the opportunity for secondments and different roles always being fully supported and coached to step outside of my comfort zone and experience new challenges such as route planning. The management team at Woodstock provide a fantastic support network as there is a recognition that we are stronger together.
How would you describe the Woodstock culture and its role in your success?
The culture at Woodstock is inclusive and encouraging. Whilst there is a focus on performance delivery this is not threatening, and you are coached and supported to deliver. There is an infectious passion to go the extra mile.
How does Woodstock recognise and appreciate the efforts of its employee?
There are multiple formal and informal ways through which Woodstock recognise and appreciates its employees from a simple thank you through to more formal recognition and gifts. This recognition is genuine and not at all tokenistic. Being a family-owned business, I can honestly say that the values of the Woodstock leadership team are what makes me want to stay working here. There is also a culture of listening to employees and their feedback and acting on it which is another way in which employees feel appreciated.
What advice would you give to your colleagues or others aspiring for success?
Go for it – If you want to develop, make sure that you are looking for everyday opportunities to excel and learn and also that your manager knows your career aspirations so that they can support you. I would also say don’t forget it’s okay to feel uncomfortable and to be taken out of your comfort zone as when you are uncomfortable it means you are stretching yourself and developing.
