Profile:
Opening people’s eyes to the career opportunities that exist in the Tees Valley is part of the drive that brings Rachel to the Education Training Collective’s governing board. Relatively new to the area, she is Operations Director at PD Ports and has been amazed by the industry that exists in the area and particularly surrounding the port.
Rachel’s own fast paced career in logistics wasn’t something that she planned but a summer job working in a transport office ignited her initial enthusiasm for the sector, giving her a clear sense of direction when it came to making future career choices.
Rachel spent 16 years learning every aspect of her trade, progressing through the ranks with Gist Limited. Gaining an extensive knowledge of both warehousing and transport, she secured her first general manager’s position before the age of 30 and went on to run three depots with 500 colleagues and 50 managers in each.
Having followed a career path that has enabled her to live and work all over the UK, and for a time in France, Rachel is now looking forward to establishing roots in the Tees Valley.
Having regularly coached and mentored others starting their careers, Rachel said: “This is a growing area with investment coming in, particularly at the port. There are so many types of work that young people often don’t know is available, such as logistics. It would be great to show people from all backgrounds, the opportunities that are in this industry for those with the right skillset.”
Committee membership:
- Audit and Risk Committee
