Meet our team
Who better to tell you about life at Wolseley than the people who actually work here? So, we asked some of the team to talk about their jobs. Here's what they had to say.
Day in our life
The best insight into life at Wolseley comes from the people who actually work here. We asked some of the team to describe a typical working day/week.
- Chris Gaunt - Regional Director - Brandon Hire
- Mitch Morris - Branch Manager New Charlton - K&T Parts Center
A day in the Life of Chris Gaunt, Regional Director - North, Brandon Hire
Before starting with Brandon Hire, Chris was operations manager at Drain Center. He has been able to draw on his years of experience working for Wolseley UK and is further enhancing his skills.
7.30am: After spending the previous day in the Glasgow area, visiting key accounts and new sites with the local sales representative, I check out of my hotel room and head for Miller Construction in Edinburgh, where I have a meeting with the chief buyer.
10.30am: The two-hour meeting results in an agreement, giving Brandon Hire the opportunity to supply equipment for a major project over the next three years. This meeting sold the concept of working together and demonstrated the benefits of working with Wolseley UK as a whole.
11.30am: I visit the Sitehill branch of Brandon Hire in Edinburgh where I discuss ongoing operational issues with the branch manager. Brandon Hire is next to Drain Center, so I have the opportunity to discuss how the sharing of resources and equipment has benefited both businesses. I have contacts within the company that have proven invaluable for building relationships and developing joint projects similar to this one with Brandon Hire and Drain Center.
2.00pm: Next I visit Midlothian Council to discuss their hire requirements. After speaking to a colleague at nearby Dalkeith Plumb Center, I make plans for Brandon Hire to take some in-store space at Plumb Center, giving us a local presence.
3.30pm: I visit Murano Place Drain Center, where I've found another opportunity for Brandon Hire to take some floor space. Knowledge from my previous role, my experience of the local personnel and layout of the branch helped with my decision.
4.45pm: I begin my journey south. I'm on the road a lot and my hands-free kit and laptop are my way of communicating. I'll speak to my colleagues during my journey home about new ventures and opportunities. There are challenges involved in a cross-brand move but there are far more opportunities for co-operation. I believe my knowledge of the Wolseley UK business will benefit Brandon Hire.
A day in the life of Mitch Morris, Branch Manager, New Charlton K&T Parts Center.
The unusual name gives a clue that Mitch runs no ordinary Parts Center. In fact, it is based within the Woolwich Road, London site of customer K&T Heating Services. So it’s a good job he gets on so well with them. But then, that’s why Mitch was appointed to the role in April 2007.
K&T HEATING SERVICES is a small partnership started in 1988 that has grown significantly over the past 10 years. The firm offers a range of installation, maintenance and repair services to customers across the capital and south-east within the M25. The day starts early for Mitch.
7.00am: K&T need all their parts labelled to fit the way they do things. I check through orders and make sure everything is on shelves ready for collection later in the day. There are often late orders and things have been left out but need to be included in that day’s order.
It was a bit strange at first working within a customer’s site, but we also have a Plumb Center presence here, too. I get on well with Alan Peek, K&T’s stores allocator and my main contact.
9.00am:
I chase up any queries on orders and go through back orders. I have to make
sure everything is in shape for the afternoon rush when orders have to be ready. I find I’m having to build a good knowledge on the technical side of our products so I can handle queries from Alan and his engineers.
12.00pm:
Time for a quick bite to eat. I moved here from Parts Center Barking and am
gradually getting to know more K&T people. We have a bit of a chinwag if there’s time.
3.00pm: This is when everything kicks off and you are grateful for the effort put in during the morning. Alan comes in for orders and to help sort out any discrepancies. K&T has around 20-25 field-based engineers who place their requirements with Alan.
Having him as my main point of contact makes it easier to keep everything running smoothly for the customer. Occasionally, orders change on the day and I
will see what we have in stock that can be used rather than wait for a new order.
5.00pm: It’s now about clearing up after the rush, confirming orders went out and looking at any cancelled orders. I can then start placing orders according to what I know the demand is likely to be from K&T.
This is a great opportunity for me, with a lot of responsibility. I think the key to working on-site with a customer is that if you treat them right and give them the service they need then you can create a very positive relationship.