Linda

Logistics

Job title: Warehouse Line Manager
Joined: 2004
Degree: BSc Supply Management (Food) from the College of Agriculture & Rural Enterprise and Post grad diploma in Communications from Queen's University, Belfast

At the age of 31, I decided to go to university to boost my chances of getting a better job. Before that I'd been in the army, worked on a Board of Directors, even worked in an abattoir! I did a couple of logistics modules as part of my degree and realised that was the path for me. I knew I wanted to work for ASDA as it looked like a really fun place to be with good prospects. The WAL*MART backing also means that the training and development are great.

As part of my programme I had three placements covering all logistics areas. And within two months of my first placement, I was running the weekend shift and in charge of 150 colleagues.

ASDA were really great about letting me stay in the same region so my children didn't have to move. I also get loads of support from my managers and other grads. I still turn to the Buddy I was given on the grad scheme for advice now and again.

Now I'm a Warehouse Line Manager for Wakefield which is the pilot depot for technologies that could help the business run more smoothly. If the whole operation is to run well I need to make sure the right people are in the right place at the right time. I'm also responsible for the financial side and there's a big people management aspect to my job which I love. That can mean anything from coaching new colleagues to dealing with their problems to putting them forward for recognition awards.