My job
I am responsible for co-ordinating diplomatic mail services being despatched to 220 different sites across the world. The mail can vary in size from small boxes to 5000kg in weight. Last year we sent out 1.2 million kilos of diplomatic mail.
My job is to co-ordinate the mail for customers and to provide a secure reliable service at the most cost effective price to both the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and also wider market customers such as Friendly Foreign Governments.
My team comprises 22 people who deal with packing, bagging, labelling and dispatch of the mail. Each item is tracked into and out of the building and across the world. We arrange freight forwarding for delivery.
My experience and qualifications
Before I came to work here, I worked as a manager for Jewson, responsible for depots. I came in as a packer packing boxes. I moved from there to the booking office and then to assistant dispatch manager to dispatch manager.
Working for FCO Services
Having worked in the commercial world, it’s good to see FCO Services starting to work in a more commercial way. It’s a unique experience working for a young company which also has a fantastic historic tradition. As a business FCO Services is looking to give people the skills they need to become an asset to the organisation. Working for FCO Services also offers job security, which was important to me. I also enjoy the opportunity to travel with my work and there is a good pension.
Top tip for someone coming new into a similar job
It’s important to have a good rounded knowledge of logistics and warehousing or freight distribution. You need to be forward thinking, and able to work without supervision but as part of a team.