RISING STARS
JESSICA KELSEY
Job title: Assistant Manager Company: Alsford Timber
MANAGER’S VIEW
Jessica joined Alsford Timber two years ago as an Assistant Branch Manager Designate. Prior to joining us she worked in the retail sector.
What’s your role?
My role is assisting the Branch Manager at our Tonbridge branch with the day to day running of the Branch, ensuring that we are working towards the budgets and targets set, whilst leading the team to maintaining high presentational standards and level of customer service ensuring a great customer journey from beginning to end.
How did you get into this industry? I previously worked in retail but wanted something more challenging a family member recommended the Merchant industry and more specifically Alsford’s and passed on my C.V. I have now been here two and a half years.
What might a typical day for you at work be? Everyday is completely different but typically it is serving customers, making the most of every call and chasing business. I also over see the stock counting, issuing and inputting the counts and most importantly the Branch safety.
What were you doing at work last week? Training our new starter and supporting him in outreach activities. I am currently looking at our branch range and whether we can expand to increase sales.
What are your big challenges in this role? I would say keeping up with changing customer expectations in the industry.
What do you love about your role? That every day is different, and you never know what to expect or where your next big order will come from.
What do you think has been your biggest achievement so far in your role? I would say coming into the business not knowing anything about the industry and securing my first ABM role within a year.
What would you like to achieve next? I would like to achieve a Branch Manager role within Alsford Timber.
What advice would you give someone new to this industry?
Just really get stuck in and take advantage of all the learning tools available whether that be within the company you work for or area sales managers for the suppliers. Everyone is helpful and willing to support you on your journey.
What would you say to someone who might be thinking about a career/getting a job on the merchant industry?
If you like the mystery of not knowing what the next day will bring, you are competitive and like a challenge then this industry is for you.
What are the changes you foresee the industry making in order to survive the future?
I think there needs to be a large focus on the online aspect and what that can offer customers as this is now the go to place for both trade and retail. We need to be making branches as efficient as possible to keep up with customers growing expectations with availability and speed. BMJ
Jessica immediately made a big impact on our business with her enthusiasm, her thirst to learn and her attitude to work.
In December 2019 Jessica completed our three-day TRADA Timber Academy, with an exam score of 100%. This was remarkable as it was the first time anyone had scored a perfect 100% and it had been taken by hundreds of candidates before her, most with many years of experience. It proved that with dedication and a dire to learn a new industry you really can achieve your goals. In May 2017 Jessica was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager; in June 2017 she completed our Management development Programme, again with flying colours. Jessica’s drive and passion in everything she does has won her great respect around the business. She is happy to challenge the status quo and she has built up a strong customer base. We now have high expectations that Jessica will become our first female branch manager within the next couple of years.
Our vision is to be recognised as a market leader and our customers’ preferred ‘Partner in Wall Building’, supplying innovative, sustainable and cost-effective
aircrete building solutions.
Our mission to supply value added aircrete solutions for any wall.
June 2019
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net 19
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