Jake Woodcock completes an impressive 16-year journey from Warehouse Operative.

Former Forces personnel Jake Woodcock has completed an impressive 16-year journey from Warehouse Operative to Head of Distribution at BSS.

Woodcock joined the HVAC, plumbing and pipeline specialist merchant in 2010 after five years with The British Army, where he served in the Corps of Royal Engineers.

He has worked his way through the ranks at pace from a Team Leader to Warehouse Supervisor, to Warehouse Operations Manager, National Distribution Centre Manager, General Manager and now, most recently, Head of Distribution.

His latest promotion sees him take on overall responsibility and leadership of both BSS distribution facilities at Magna Park, Lutterworth and The Tube Distribution Centre, Coventry, totaling more than 200,000 sq ft combined, including the circa 160 people who work there.

Woodcock said: "I wasn't thinking of a career in warehousing and logistics when I left the military, but after joining BSS I quickly realised that if you work hard there are opportunities to grow," he said. I have been supported in my journey all the way and I am absolutely delighted to be Head of Distribution, which has always been the goal.

"Working closely with my direct reports - which consists of three Operations Managers and the General Manager at Cross Point - we ensure that inbound and outbound operations across the 24 hours that we operate run smoothly and are co-ordinated. 

"I also oversee the Hire-It and engineering functions at Magna Park, which provide value add services to our customers.

"It's my job to ensure everything is running safely and efficiently, making sure we're serving the 54 branches to the agreed service levels and constantly looking at ways in which we can improve.

"It's a great company to work for and every day brings a different challenge."

The larger of the distribution centres, Magna Park, delivers 5,500 picks to branches across the country every day, with 13 articulated lorries hitting the road each evening.

BSS Managing Director Josie Crowe said: "Jake has shown an excellent attitude during his time at BSS, demonstrating how hard work can lead to career progression. He is an exceptional leader and I have full confidence in his ability to ensure the highest standards across our two distribution centres."