Commercial Analyst Review

My role at AO is looking and reporting on the cash impact of damage on our products. My role means that I interact closely with commercial helping them with their P&L. Regular damage meetings are ran by me which informs directors about our cash position for damage in the week. I am responsible for pulling and presenting the data which gets sent out to the directors and senior managers.

While working at AO my skills set has developed massively and new skills have been learned. Excel is a key piece of software which we use at AO, using excel to pull data and present it in the correct way so that it is easily read and understood it crucial. Communication is a skill which has also been developed since starting here, communication is a massive part in any business and is a key part of learning how to interact with different individuals and personalities. In my role I am being put through my business administration (Level 4), doing this gives you the fundamental understanding of how business operate on a daily basis and how different systems complement different businesses.

At AO culture is crucial and is valued highly at board level, ao strongly believe that if you meet their values then you are the right person for the company, promoting from within the business is preferred rather than externally recruiting. My team are all extremely supportive and we all have a strong understanding of each others area in case of absence. My manager provides constant support when needed but also encourages finding out the answer independently and speaking with other people in the business to improve relations. I enjoy my role as it is different on a daily basis and it challenges me to think for myself whist getting a first hand view of an extremely effective logistics operation.

At ao everyone is valued and look at in the same way, before starting at ao this was a concern of mine, starting in a new business as an apprentice I would be ignored and overlooked, however as soon as I started I was introduced to the directors of the business and have 1-2-1 meetings with them on a regular basis. I recently won employee of the month on a recommendation form a senior manager. Constant feedback is always given by managers and catch up sessions are done on a monthly basis to see if you are on track to meet personal and business goals.

Since starting my role, direction and structure has been given from managers. When starting a full induction is given highlighting health and safety. Training is given to those who need it and continuous development chats are given monthly to keep you heading in the right direction. My work load is always being evaluated to see if I am working to my capacity or have room to take on more work, this will change depending on the volume of college work that I have been set.

My training provider will come in and see me at AO and discusses the next module that I am being set, she will make sure that I am fully prepared before starting next task. My training provider will make sure that I am given enough time per week to complete my assessments, I receive 20% of my time to complete assessments.

Support is always available at AO form your line manager to the Managing director, nobody want to see you fail, they give you advise and pointers about the correct thing to do form how to speak to certain people, formatting emails and outside of work advise also.

my salary/wage is under review after 2 years, my starting wage that I start on is low however this increases after the first year of employment. I have lots of outgoings each month including car costs, board, clothes & social some months I am stretched for money however this should start to improve after my first year.

Part of my role is the DofE, AO put apprentices through the DofE gold award. This provides a number of opportunities outside of work to raise money and volunteer. There is always something going on at AO, the engagement team put on a variety of competitions and sports events each month and do a very good job!

Yes

I would recommend this to a friend as it is a great company to work for, there are lots of great people who value your input and ideas into the business. Development is always taking place and there is always something to be doing. If you want to improve your knowledge and experience in logistics then this is the place to do it!

Preparation! Always prepare for any interview or assessment centre this prevent poor performance. Do a little bit of back ground research to show your enthusiasm and passion for the company and role. Finally when applying show your strengths and when you have used them.