🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes
Generation Logistics Case Study
Poppy Burchett, Automation First Line Manager - GXO.
The Generation Logistics campaign shines a light on young people who will make up the workforce of tomorrow, and uses their experiences to encourage others to consider a career in our sector. For more information, please visit www.generationlogistics.org
Over to you, Poppy...
I am an Automation First Line Manager for GXO Logistics. My role’s priority is to meet KPIs and to enable the AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicle) to work efficiently to deliver results.
My main responsibility is to oversee the daily operation within the newly implemented automation. Within the area, it is important to manage the allocation of workstations per department, with a need to be agile with fast decision making, based on volume fluctuations and staffing requirements.
This task requires great communication between all operational management, as well as collaborating with other functions such as Health, Safety & Facilities, Engineering and Project Management to continually communicate the vision.
As well as managing operational efficiencies, I also lead a team of ‘Jam Busters’, whose role is to alleviate any traffic within the AGVs and assist in the daily maintenance of the robots. With this comes HR responsibilities such as managing annual leave requests, probationary reviews, absence management and other administrative duties.
I’m currently in my fourth and final year of study at Sheffield Hallam University, where I study Professional Practice in Supply Chain Leadership through the GXO Apprenticeship scheme. During my studies I’ve focused a lot of my research on automation and used it as a focal point for some of my work-based projects.
In doing this, I found a passion for automation, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career down this path. I’ve always been an analytical person, and find I can pick up systems quickly, I think this is what drew me to this type of work originally, and my interests have grown from there.
I joined the GXO apprenticeship at 18, fresh out of Sixth Form, where I studied triple business (BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business) and had previous qualifications in Engineering at GCSE level. Both subjects taught me valuable skills, including problem solving and decision making, two of the most used skills in my role.
When studying the global market, and supply and demand in business studies, it piqued my interest in logistics; however, it wasn’t until I found the job description for the apprenticeship that I thought logistics could be possible for me, as it was not a well-discussed job opportunity in school.
As much as my passion is for automation, the best thing about my role is that I’ve been able to curate a team of individuals to work alongside me. I love being able to lead the team and I find it very rewarding watching us grow together, especially as a start-up department.
We’re all learning from each other every day, and personally, I find sharing that experience is the best part of my role. My career highlight to date is happening right now! The opportunity to lead the automation implementation project for a brand which I’ve always admired, has been such an honour to play a part in.
It was, and still is, an incredibly rewarding experience that combines strategic planning, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving. Being part of a team that successfully enhances operational efficiency and has optimised processes has been not only fulfilling personally, but also significantly improved the workflow and productivity of the warehouse.
Seeing the positive impact of automation first-hand, has reaffirmed my passion for driving technological advancements in the workplace.
PLEASE NOTE: This year’s Generation Logistics Week will take place from 23-27 June – a series of inspiring free virtual events, presented in partnership with STEM Learning, to unlock the best career paths in the logistics sector for young people, all in just five days. Across the week there will be daily themes exploring key areas in this world full of career possibilities, potential and pathways.
Each day will feature overviews, presentations, vidcasts from some of the world’s biggest employers; case studies and career journeys from hidden heroes in the logistics world; highlight resources for various ages and subject interests.
If you know any teachers or educators who would be interested in getting involved with this year’s Week, please encourage them to register their interest at the Generation Logistics Eventbrite page –bit.ly/4iYheKz or visit the campaign’s Education Hub to discover lesson plans, curriculum-linked activities and so much more! https://educationhub.generationlogistics.org/
Published On: 15/05/2025 12:48:17
Comments Section
If you are a Logistics UK member login to add comments.
