Maxine H HR Manager

From Apprentice to Network Manager. Ten years ago, I joined C S Ellis as a Transport Administrator—the first job I ever applied for. I chose the hands-on route over university to gain real-world experience while continuing to learn.

Starting out was a big change, but the support I received helped me grow quickly. A two-month placement in Germany gave me valuable international insight and practical skills I still use today.

Now a Network Manager within the Palletline team, I lead a small, close-knit group focused on delivering excellent service. It’s a role I’m proud of, built on years of learning, growth, and support from the people around me.

University never appealed to me—I’ve always learned best by doing. An apprenticeship offered hands-on experience, a qualification, and the chance to earn while I learned. More than a job, it kickstarted my career.

I didn’t expect logistics to be so fast-paced and people-focused. From day one, I was solving problems, planning routes, and communicating constantly—and I loved it. The biggest shift for me wasn’t technical—it was personal. Learning to write professionally, speak with confidence, and present in meetings has made a lasting impact. My mentor played a huge role in helping me grow and build that self-belief.

I’ve tried everything from finance to retail (even a stint at the garden centre!), and each role taught me something new. The variety shaped my understanding of business—and showed me where I belong. Now, I’m focused on building a future in the CS Ellis commercial role. I want to be that go-to person people count on—bringing ideas, insight, and real value to the team.

In 2023, I joined C S Ellis as a Transport Co-ordinator—not knowing it would be a turning point after years of struggling with anxiety. What started as an operational role soon revealed my strength in customer service—once overwhelming, now where I thrive and drive real change.

Managing anxiety was the biggest challenge. Calls, complaints, even simple conversations felt daunting. But I kept pushing, and confidence grew.

C S Ellis recognised my potential as customer service evolved into a strategic part of the business. Mentoring Liza, who joined in 2024 and grew into a confident team member, is one of my proudest achievements.

Now, I’m focused on building a customer service team rooted in trust and genuine relationships. To me, great service means treating people like family—saying the right things, doing the right things, and following through. That’s how loyalty—and growth—happen.