Spotlight on…

Tell us about your career to date with Phillips 66 Limited.

OK, so there’s quite a lot to get through – I’ll be quick! I joined in September 2002 – and I’ve done approximately 15 years within our marketing business and seven years in commercial. On the marketing side I’ve largely moved between sales and account manager roles.

I did a business degree at University and after some travelling I looked to get on a grad programme and got offered jobs with BAT and Kellogg’s – and then went for an interview at Conoco (as was). I didn’t know anything about them – and thought ‘do they make cameras?? I happily took the job and after the initial two years I had an opportunity to become an early entry account manager in a developmental role – and that pretty much set the tone for my career at Phillips 66. I liked the idea of moving to London, so I interviewed and became a part of the marine fuel oil bunkering business developing a new business out of Germany. I then moved into our commercial trading business as an operator. It was big on logistics and a 24/7 role – but the fun part was that you became the centre of all knowledge – which was great. At the same time, I was integral to our graduate recruitment scheme which I really enjoyed. I then returned to our marketing business leading our Regional Sales team for the south of the UK, a role that was a mix of looking after JET retail dealer sites in East Anglia and supporting a team that was managing customers in the wholesale and retail sectors. Following a further re-organisation, I joined the group I’m in today which is the wholesale business headed up by Geoff Henderson.

I manage a portfolio of wholesale/reseller/distributor customers, the B2B part of the business, covering an area from North Yorkshire, East Midlands, East Anglia and the South West. It’s full on – and I love it.

Talk me through a typical working week.

I know everyone says it – but there is never a typical working week! Monday mornings are about reviewing pricing and supply with a team meeting in the afternoon. Every day is about knowing where our supply position is – and that’s a constant. I also look to connect with customers. This week has been about customers surveys – visiting people and getting feedback. This morning, I had a customer who was struggling to load onto an account at a particular terminal – so I’m there to step in and resolve the issue. I will also look at prospecting to drive new business and review current agreements that may be up for renewal – to start conversations in plenty of time.

The strength and longevity of the relationships we have with our customers are what set us apart as a business. Great customer service is an intrinsic part of the company culture, it’s in our DNA.

Tell us about your involvement with Renewable Diesel.

It’s been a steep learning curve but it’s a fascinating part of our emerging energy business and it’s great to be able to share what I’ve learnt with the rest of the team and our customers. I’m involved in developing the strategy around RD and also in dealing with customers and the logistics. I have an ‘on the ground’ view of the product and how it is being received which I’m able to share with our commercial traders and the emerging energy team.

It’s a relatively small part of our business at the moment and  an infant market, and volatile because of that, but certainly has a role to play in decarbonising the road transport sector.

What do you most enjoy about your job and what is the most challenging?

I love the day-to-day variety. I know it’s a cliché – but every day really is a different day.

Sometimes I look at my diary and it’s fairly empty and by 10am that’s out the window because something has arrived on my desk that I couldn’t have anticipated. Challenging? At times – but it keeps you motivated, keeps you on your toes.

I also really enjoy this industry – and we deal with great people both internally and externally. It’s a good culture and with like-minded people.

My sales support co-ordinators have for the past six-seven years been graduates – and while some people may see that as being potentially disruptive, I love it.  I enjoy being part of their learning journey and seeing them progress through the company. One of my previous grads is now a trader – and it’s satisfying to know that I have been a part of their progression.

What do you most enjoy about your job and what is the most challenging?

You need to be a people person – with the confidence to pick up the phone. Self-motivated and self-managed. Also know when to ask for help.