Jamie Evans, Warehouse and Distribution Manager
Meet Jamie as he takes us through his inspiring career journey within Nidec Drives!
Read my story
Throughout my 17-year tenure at the company, I have had the opportunity to explore various areas of the business, gaining a deep understanding of its operations. When I first joined Nidec Drives, my goal was to establish a career locally and gain a foothold in the business world.
I began on a three-month contract with an external agency and was appointed as a Production Operator. Within two months, I was transferred to the Dispatch department. This role was incredibly rewarding, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie within the team. As a Dispatch Operator, I learned about our global customers, which sparked my interest in export administration. With the support of my team, I pursued training in this area and even visited the Chamber of Commerce to receive official instructions on the licensing requirements for Nidec Drives' exports to various countries.
Although I enjoyed my time at Dispatch, I remained vigilant for new opportunities. When a position opened in the Customer Services team as maternity cover, I applied and was successful. This role was a significant step forward for me, allowing me to manage accounts for customers in France, Serbia, Russia, and Ukraine. I enjoyed networking with colleagues and customers, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the business processes from customer orders to planning and purchasing.
My ambition at Nidec Drives has always been to grow, progress, and learn as much as possible. I made it a priority to absorb all the information I could, building a solid foundation for future opportunities. This proactive approach was crucial to my success. After my time in Customer Services, I undertook a secondment in the Purchasing department as a Buyer. Nidec Drives recognised my desire for more experience, allowing me to gain valuable knowledge and skills in this role.
My journey at Nidec Drives has been marked by continuous learning and growth, driven by my determination to seize every opportunity and advance within the company. Thanks to the groundwork I had laid, I was presented with the opportunity to work as part of the Lyon Hub in France. In this role as a Lyon Hub Coordinator, I was responsible for liaising with suppliers and maintaining the connection between the UK Manufacturing Site and the Hub. This position granted me independence, bolstered my confidence in my abilities, and provided opportunities I had never anticipated.
After five years, I returned to the UK and assumed the role of Customer Services Distribution Supervisor. This progression reflects my commitment to leveraging every experience to further my career within the company. This role was my first experience in managing a team and understanding how to be an effective leader and manager. I received excellent support throughout my time in this position, and the skills I developed at the Lyon Hub equipped me to handle the demand of my new responsibilities.
A year later, a position arose as a Distribution Manager. This was a full-circle moment for me, as I was now overseeing the dispatch department at the UK Manufacturing Facility, where my journey began. I was well-acquainted with this role and enjoyed my time there immensely. Drawing from my experiences in different areas of the business, I was able to bring fresh perspectives to the position and identify ways to improve operations.
This brings me to my current role as Warehouse and Distribution Manager, where I oversee all incoming goods, manage on-site materials, ensure replenishment to the production lines, and handle shipping through the dispatch department. This position has elevated me to the Senior Management Team for the first time, which is incredibly exciting. Each day presents interesting new challenges and opportunities for collaboration with my team as we work toward achieving our goals.
My ambition in this role is to make a significant impact. When I eventually leave this factory, I want to leave it much stronger than when I started. If you work hard, are willing to invest the time, and have ambition, there is room to grow within the company and opportunities will arise.