Susan Cooter works in the office team supporting the Warehouse as Stock Administrator. It’s a unique role so we asked Susan to tell us more about it.
When did you start at SUBZERO?
I started with SUBZERO in 2019 in the Accounts department before transitioning into the Stock Administrator role after a staff restructure due to the expanding needs of the business in 2021.
Have you always worked in logistics (if not what were your previous roles)?
My previous positions in Retail, more specifically as the UK Operations Manager for a well known global car parts distributor equipped me with being able to keep up with a fast paced environment where no two days are ever the same.
What does the role of Stock Administrator involve?
My role involves making sure stock levels are correct. This includes booking goods in, overseeing picks and goods out, investigating and correcting any issues, helping Warehouse staff when needed and keeping our customers informed and happy.
Are there any particularly memorable moments you’ve had at Subzero?
There are many moments over the years that have made me look back and think, did that really just happen? But the one that really stands out is one Christmas a few years ago; we opened the back of a lorry to find 8 illegal immigrants in it. Some of them ran, others just sat and waited for the police to arrive. But the icing on the cake was when one guy lost his trousers on barbed wire trying to climb over the closed gate. It was a definite moment of disbelief.
What do you know now that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
Money isn’t everything! Although you need to pay your bills and feel valued within your employment, what’s most important is being able to enjoy quality time with the family. SUBZERO has been fantastic with allowing flexibility over the years as my family’s needs change and evolve over time. It’s something I’ve never experienced with any other employer.
What made you choose this career?
I didn’t, it very much chose me, like I said I actually started out in the Accounts department, but with internal systems being the same across departments and because we are such a tight knit team at SUBZERO; I already had a good understanding of what was needed of me within the role, and its nothing I couldn’t turn my hand to given my past experience.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love that no two days are ever the same. You never truly know what to expect when you first arrive in the morning so it definitely keeps me on my toes. I love a challenge and find nothing better than investigating issues. Once I start investigating I can’t/won’t drop it until I’ve solved it.
Finally, what did you want to do as a child?
When I was little I wanted to be the Prime Minister. I’ve never liked to be told no, and that seemed like the obvious route to take if I wanted to get my own way 100% of the time. Sadly I grew up and realised there’s a lot more to being Prime Minister than simply being in charge.
