Meet Our People – Heather Baalham

12th April, 2021

Heather has been working in the logistics industry for over 16 years since leaving sixth form.

“I always knew university wasn’t for me. I wanted to get out to work and start earning after my A-Levels. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but I wanted to be in an industry that would give me options. Helping people solve problems and customer service have always been my main interests ”, explained Heather.

Heather’s Dad worked at Felixstowe Port so whilst she was exposed to the industry at home, it was never discussed as a career option for her at school. Despite growing up only 20 minutes from one of the UK’s major ports, the logistics and freight industry wasn’t ever “sold” to Heather in career talks: “I figure that we are an island so there will always be cargo coming and going, and people will always be needed to facilitate that, so it seemed a secure industry to be in”, says Heather. “I’d like to see it discussed more at schools and career fairs as there are so many options within the sector”.

Why Logistics?

Heather Baalham

A big believer in learning roles from the ground up, Heather has an impressive employment history, showing steady career progression and gaining experience in various roles in shipping and freight forwarding.

Heather talks about her job with passion and enthusiasm. “I love building strong relationships with my clients and being the trusted go-to person when they have a problem”.

 

Why Magnus Group?

Heather started at Magnus Group in the middle of the pandemic in the summer of 2020. “As soon as the pandemic hit I was furloughed. That had a really negative impact on me. I hated sitting at home whilst others were at work, and it made me worried about my job security and future,” explains Heather, “I’m a real team player, and I wanted to be helping and at work. After three months I knew for my wellbeing, as well as financial security, I needed to get back to work. I then saw a post on LinkedIn advertising a vacancy at Magnus Group”.

Within a week she started in the Freight Forwarding team. Three months later, Heather was promoted to Operations Manager, moved to the new Felixstowe office and the size of the team doubled.

“I had worked with Matt (Hope) before and completely trust him so I knew moving to Magnus would be an exciting move. I love being part of something that feels new and is growing,” says Heather.

“There is no typical day here. So much of the role is fire fighting and making sure that clients’ problems are resolved so you can never be quite sure what you are going to be dealing with when you arrive in the morning. It’s been hectic for the past few months, with the impact of Brexit, but I love helping my clients and them trusting me to help them. If I had known how busy I was going to be I may have enjoyed my furlough time more,” laughs Heather.

A man’s world?

The Department of Transport has recently published figures that freight is one of the most male-dominated industries in the world. Across the whole industry, including office roles, around 93% is male. “Magnus Group is going against tradition as we have quite a few women in the team here but there is no doubt it is still a male-dominated industry”, says Heather, “I’d like to encourage more women to look at freight forwarding and logistics as a viable career option. It’s a great industry to be in – there is no reason why women can’t do the job as well as men.”

Heather explains that for the first time she feels her opinion counts and her voice is heard. “Working for Magnus Group is fantastic. There is an energy and passion to grow and succeed,” says Heather. “Honesty and transparency start at the top, and everyone’s voice is heard which is brilliant”.

Heather is looking forward to a future with Magnus and is excited about what that future may look like.

Things you don’t know about Heather….

  • Heather’s first job was as a Saturday sales assistant in a perfume shop. “I loved it and stayed there for years, working extra in holidays. It has turned me into a bit of a perfume snob though” laughs Heather. (So Chanel it is if anyone is looking for a gift idea!)
  • Heather’s first record purchase was a Britney Spears single. Her first album was a Christmas gift from her Mum and Dad, to go with her new CD player back in 1998 – “M People’s Greatest Hits”.
  • Heather is a Guide Leader inspiring the next generation of women to be the best they can be.
  • Heather has a tattoo on her foot with the quote “Never Say Die”. That should give you a hint about her favourite film.
  • Heather’s dream holiday would be working with orangutans in a sanctuary in Borneo.

 

Magnus Group is based just outside Ipswich, Suffolk, ideally placed to serve the Port of Felixstowe with direct road links to the Midlands, the North and London. If you would like to know more about our warehousing, transport or global forwarding teams call us on +44 (0) 1473836600 or email on commercial@magnusgroup.com.

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

Categorised in:

Recent Posts