Contract Manager: Craig Johnson

How long have you been working in your current role?

Only a few months

Which company do you work for and what do they do?

I work for Exel – they’re one of the biggest logistics companies in the world.

What does your job involve in a typical day?

I manage the Office World account for Exel, so I’m the main point of contact for anything concerning this contract. I get in early in the morning and the first thing I do is make sure that all the services provided to the customer are being fulfilled. We distribute 1.7 million cases per annum for Office World from their central distribution centre in Milton Keynes to all their shop outlets and end-users. I deal with about 60 people in total on the account – from the guys driving the lorries, to the warehouse and distribution staff and their managers.

How did you get into your current job, and what were you doing before?

I’ve always worked in distribution since leaving school. I began by doing driving and warehouse work and came off the road seven and a half years ago and went into truck rental and then progressed from there. I was an account manager and then I did some logistics management. My last job before becoming a contract manager was as a regional operations manager.

What qualifications did you need for the job?

I didn’t need any (although I have my LGV to drive a lorry). All my experience to be a contract manager, was built up through working in the industry.

What do you like most about your job?

Delivering the promise.

What is your advice to people looking for a job in logistics?

Enjoy the challenges – because there are a lot of them!

What do you see as your next step?

Bigger and more complex accounts. In time I’d like to get back into development.