Employee Focus – Mark Roberts, Operations Manager
Employee Focus
Mark Roberts
Mark Roberts has worked for Torque for just over 11 years. Based at the Wakefield site, he is responsible for keeping operations running smoothly on the T.M.Lewin contract. We managed to grab some time out of his busy schedule to find out a little more about his role and what makes him tick.
1. What’s your role?
Operations Manager at the Wakefield site managing the T.M.Lewin contract.
2. How long have you worked for Torque?
This is my 11th year at Torque.
3. How has your role changed since you began with Torque?
I started as a Picker and then transferred to Goods In where I worked for a short time progressing fairly quickly. I went from a Team Leader to a Supervisor in a short period of time and then progressed to an Operations Manager, which I am currently.
4. What motivated you to apply for a role in operations?
I just fancied a change, I used to be a football coach and fell out of love with it, the hours weren’t always too great and there was quite a bit of travelling involved going to a lot of different schools around Yorkshire, so I decided to resign and look for a new challenge. Logistics wasn’t something I thought about at the time but as my time went by I had a keener interest and was interested in progressing, and here I am today.
5. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt from your time with Torque so far?
I have learned various things over the years and still continue to do so, but to be honest organisation wasn’t my strong point prior to this role. In logistics you have to be on the ball, which certainly helped me become more organised. You have to be prepared and so this was a big thing for me, it helped me massively in my home life too.
6. What’s your favourite part of your job?
Customer satisfaction such as when targets are achieved and deadlines are met. Just knowing the customer is happy with the job you have done.
7. What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you on the job?
A few years ago I went to T.M.Lewin’s Head Office in central London for a few meetings and I spent the night in a hotel. Travelling back on the train there were a few changes at various stations, upon arrival to Leeds I then needed to catch the last train to Bradford Interchange, but silly me got on the wrong train and ended up In Manchester, it was a long day and so I was oblivious until I arrived. I eventually got home very late in the night, I am certainly not a lover of trains!
8. How do you think Torque go the extra mile for their customers?
We personalise every customers’ contract based around their needs and offerings. We always aim to make the process as simple and stress free as possible from start to finish and we are always on hand no matter what the time, to deal with any issues or queries.
9. Can you tell us an interesting or fun fact about yourself?
I am a fully qualified, football, rugby, cricket, basketball, tennis and badminton coach.
Find out more
If you’re interested in a career at Torque, head over to our Careers page to find out more.