Business System Analyst, Birtley Head Office
I started by doing a BSc Honours degree in Computing for Business at Northumbria University from 1999–2003. After my degree, I joined The Co-operative Group’s Blaydon Distribution Centre as a management trainee and from there I have developed into my current role, a Business System Analyst.
I was keen to base myself in the North East, and what attracted me to The Co-operative Group was the opportunity to join a large, UK-wide organisation that could offer me great career progression.
In my role there are three skills that are absolutely vital.
The first is communication. I deal with people at many different levels within the business, from the warehouse floor to senior management. I also get involved in the delivery of training. The Co-operative has provided me with training on people awareness which has really helped me to tailor my communication to fit different learning styles.
Flexibility and prioritisation are both important too. I have to travel all over the country in order to test, train and execute new systems. I can receive a wide range of systems issues that are either business related, new, or existing - its important to know how to tackle these issues and in which order.
A most notable achievement was my involvement (design, configuration, testing, training, implementation and support) in the new Transport Execution System (TES) and the Warehouse Management System (WMS) These systems have enhanced accuracy in the products picks and improved deliveries to stores to help ensure there are products on our shelf for our customers at the right time.
The people that I work with here are friendly and we share a one team, one goal culture. We’re all focused and work together which makes life easier – it’s great to work for an organisation that is ethically fair. This makes me feel proud.