Employee Focus: Ann Hall, Procurement & Special Project Manager
Ann has worked at Torque for 13 years. Her role in procurement means she often works closely with brands on their packaging needs, prioritising sustainability whilst ensuring commercial viability. She loves that every day in the business is different and is driven by providing exceptional service to our customers. After 13 years with Torque she has some good advice on how to get on in your career, and some insight into what makes our business special.
Read on to find out more about Ann and her duties at Torque.
What’s your role and can you tell us a little about it?
My role is varied, and I monitor everything from spend per site, cleaning and stationary usage or tendering for a new mobile phone provider, always looking for efficiencies and cost savings. I also procure anything that our business requires and support our customers with their packaging requirements. I aid with the design and artwork process, material selections, quantity requirements, lead time management and ensuring it is cost effective.
There are a huge variety of packaging options available for efulfilment, and it can be overwhelming to brands and retailers. We help with this process, providing a wide range of sustainable choices – from ecommerce boxes to mailing bags with biodegradable options, made from 100% recycled material, 100% recyclable materials including sugar cain or FSC sourced paper. There are many variations, and we understand the importance of providing our customers options which meet their CSR objectives, whilst ensuring they’re commercially viable.
How long have you worked for Torque?
I have been with Torque 13 years this year (I don’t know where the years have gone!)
What do you love most about your job?
To Torque you’re not just a number. Every day is different, and you face new challenges daily. I also love seeing the finished product of a new packaging design.
How did you progress into your current role?
I worked as a Contract / Site Manager in the warehouse for 11 years and thoroughly enjoyed it, it provided me an overview of all aspects of the business, particularly in warehouse operations which has aided me in my new job. I moved into this role in August 2020.
What invaluable thing have you learnt in your role?
I’ve learned a lot about myself, in particular that I have a strong work ethic and I think this has helped me progress within my roles at Torque.
What one piece of advice would you give someone who is interested in a similar job?
Give it your all, make it your own, work hard and most of all aim to succeed.
Can you tell us the funniest or most interesting thing to happen to you at work?
After a customer conference in London, I bumped into Daniel Levy and didn’t recognise him. He spent some time trying to convince me of who he was, and I didn’t believe him. It was only after that I realised; he’d been telling the truth!
How do you think Torque go the extra mile for their customers?
We have a passion for delivering exceptional service. We treat our customers with consideration and respect and most of all, all our teams across the business “go the extra mile” to make a difference to their customer’s days.
Will you share a fun fact about yourself?
I played netball until I was 40 and captained Dean Clough in Halifax.
If you could invite 3 people (alive or dead) to a dinner party you were hosting, who would they be, and why would you invite them?
My Brother, Mum & Grandma, all deceased, just to see them all again in one room and have a good laugh about told times.