Sales Operations Manager Review

I manage the healthcheck process for the UKI Sales teams - healthchecks are mandatory checks which have to be completed on every automatic contract annually. This process consists of myself and the site teams answering a series of questions about their operation, and deciding what the next steps. Day to day, I have calls and exchange emails with the operations teams in order to complete these healthchecks.

I have developed countless new skills since starting my apprenticeship - these include advanced excel skills and how to read and interpret contracts. I have also massively grown in confidence and knowledge as a result of my role. My analytical skills were already quite good due to my a-levels but I have been able to develop these existing skills in new contexts.

The team I work in are incredibly supportive and intelligent, and they always push me to step out my comfort zone. The programme is so much better than I anticipated - the company encourages diversity and development too which is hugely important to me. I am so happy that I chose to join the CDMA rather than go to University.

I work for 4 days a week and have 1 day off a week where I study for my degree with the Open Uni. The programme is well organised and clearly tells me what work I have to do each week. I have access to support from both DHL colleagues and university tutors.

My employer is incredibly supportive and I always have someone to speak to if I require support. My line manager is aware of my university work and always gives me my 20% off the job day. The general attitude of my team is the same - they all support me and each other. The environment of the team I work in is great and I am incredibly happy.

I get support from my tutor for my work based module frequently, and she responds very quickly to any questions I have. For the more 'academic' module, I have less frequent contact with my tutor but she does respond when I require help. There is always someone to contact, whether that be from the Open Uni team of the internal apprenticeship team at DHL.

I have learnt how to apply theories into real life contexts to make valuable improvements in my day-to-day activity. I perform better in my role as I can apply the skills and behaviours I learn into my work. I feel like I understand more about business functions and my industry as a result of my degree.

We have various company events and voluntary activities which happen throughout the year which I like to get involved in. When we have team meetings, we always have a social activity in the evening too which I enjoy. I am not sure if there are sports teams available within DHL as I have not looked.

Yes

I would recommend my apprenticeship because it offers a perfect balance between working and studying. I am able to apply knowledge I have gained from my degree into my everyday work activities - this experience is very unique and so beneficial for later on in life. By the time I finish my degree, I will not only have the qualification but 4 years experience in the logistics industry.

The best piece of advice I can give is to be prepared, and be yourself. An employer is looking for someone who is hardworking and confident - this doesn't necessarily mean the loudest person in the room but someone who actively contributes. Assessment days and interviews can feel daunting, but it's important to remember everyone will be nervous.