"The main reason I wanted to join Bunzl was because of the training scheme. It's carefully structured, relevant, covers a wide range of areas and gives you exposure to the whole organisation.
"My first job was to help set up a National Distribution Centre. Then I learnt about purchasing in a Product Management role, before moving back to the NDC when it opened and gaining experience in warehousing and systems. Now, as a Product Manager, I work with the sales team and suppliers, and get involved in price negotiations and new product launches for a defined product range.
"Each time I've been given a new role I've been expected to get on with it and, if I didn't know how to tackle it, to find out quick! Bunzl only takes on a few graduates, so the eyes of senior people are on you. You're very aware that the company has great plans for you and you know you're being given exceptional opportunities to succeed."
"I started as a trainee in sales and operations and realised that I preferred field sales. After 6 months as a senior sales executive in Basingstoke, I was seconded to HO in Epsom to work on our biggest contract, which I thoroughly enjoyed and earned promotion to Account Executive, National Accounts. I analyse and manage the products and pricing across 4000 units - that equates to 4000 different customers! The people at Bunzl are fantastic. You are encouraged to think laterally and to do what is necessary to provide the customer with a service that we can all be proud of. I suppose over the next few years I would like to move into sales/general management. It's great to know that's achievable here."
"I started out in Bunzl Catering Supplies, taking operational responsibility for stock control, project management and the installation of a new warehouse management system.
"Encouraged by my mentor, I then successfully applied to become an Account Executive on the company's largest account. Within a relatively short time, I was managing many aspects of the account on a day-to-day basis: dealing with customer service issues, overseeing pricing, and strengthening our relationship with customers and suppliers.
"Now, I've moved to another Bunzl business - a smaller company but one with many good prospects and I'm part of the management team. My role includes managing the website and launching online ordering, analysing data on our sales and competitors, organising exhibitions and working with the Sales Director to take the business into new areas.
"Bunzl has a lot of different businesses under its umbrella and this means there are lots of options. Whenever I've wanted to develop new skills and move into new roles, the opportunities have been there and the company has supported me. For a graduate, it's good to know you'll start off in a role with real responsibilities and can progress in a host of directions. You have all the advantages of a global company without feeling lost."
"The first time I heard about Bunzl was at a graduate fair. I was impressed that one company could offer so many career routes. Then, after joining, I saw the range of opportunities at first hand: travelling to 40 sites all over the country as part of a national project.
"I gained good preparation for a move into branch management as Assistant Manager of the company's Darlington branch. I was jointly responsible for running the business day-to-day and improving performance in all areas - sales, distribution, warehousing etc. It accelerated my readiness to manage my own branch and I've been a Branch Manager now for just over a year.
"Newcastle has 16 staff including sales, purchasing, distribution and admin, and a turnover of £2.5 million. It's exciting being responsible for all different functions, managing the budget and producing the end of year profit.
"There's a huge emphasis, in Bunzl, on entrepreneurship. You're encouraged to develop your own business locally, with the support of a company that has national power. The culture is very down to earth, and the social interaction and equality fantastic. Teamwork is a priority within Bunzl and, rather than competing internally, the focus is on how the business and the people in it can develop together."
