From the office to the aisles
Bohle’s director of finance and administration, Andrea Dench, recently spent time working with colleagues in the warehouse to gain valuable insight into their roles. We explore the significant benefits of cross-departmental awareness for Bohle, and its customers.
“I think the best way to get to know a company, and the way the different departments interlink with each other, is to actually go in there, sit with people, talk to people, and do a little bit of their job,” says Bohle’s recently promoted director of finance and administration, Andrea Dench.
Having spent 25 years with the Cheshire-based supplier of glass products and hardware, Andrea’s new role will see her oversee numerous aspects of the business including operations, logistics, purchasing, HR, and health & safety – all while helping maintain the company’s strong reputation for quality products and friendly, customer-focused service.
“Understanding the part each department plays within an organisation brings numerous benefits that enhance both individual and collective performance, as well as the customer experience,” Andrea explains.
“Sharing knowledge and ideas can encourage innovation, problem solving and creativity, as well as building trust and a culture of mutual respect; things that are really important for a strong, healthy business.”
To gain a deeper understanding of how each department operates and connects with one another, Andrea, who has spent the majority of her career in Bohle’s finance team, recently donned her safety gear for a day in the warehouse.
“We all rely on each other, so I think it’s vitally important to look outside your own department and see the bigger picture, especially as someone in a leadership position. So, now that my role has changed a little bit, I thought, ‘Okay, Andrea, get those steel-toe boots on and get to the warehouse!’,” she explains.
Spending time with the warehouse team, where orders are picked, packed and shipped with the utmost care, efficiency and attention to detail, has highlighted its crucial role in Bohle’s success.
“It was particularly inspiring that Pete, the warehouse team leader, and his colleagues, Dave, and Anthony, have each worked at Bohle for more than 20 years,” says Andrea.
“Their dedication, knowledge, and commitment were clear to see. They’re on their feet all day, working hard to keep everything running smoothly. I left with a strong sense of respect for the critical work they do, and the high level of customer service they consistently deliver.
“They put me through my paces, but I didn’t mind, because I got to talk to them properly, ask them what they thought about the role, and, really, just walk in their shoes, in terms of the way the warehouse department functions and its role within the wider organisation. It was very interesting.”
With plans to spend time in Bohle’s other departments, including business development, purchasing and sales, Andrea hopes to better understand those areas too, ultimately resulting in an even smoother, faster, and more responsive experience for Bohle’s customers.
“Cross-departmental collaboration is essential to get people engaged, motivated and working towards a common goal,” says Andrea. “And that’s what I’m hoping to achieve by doing this.
“It’s vital that we’re on the same page if we want to maintain the high-level, seamless, service experience our customers are used to.
“It’s like a jigsaw puzzle. If we fit the pieces together, we can create a beautiful picture, but the key, for the success of our company and ultimately, our customers, is knowing where those pieces fit.”
