A Change of Direction for Andrew Murphy, Field Service Team Leader

Transitioning to a new job can be a challenge and, as members of the Good Business Charter (GBC), Dawsongroup is committed to supporting our employees throughout this adjustment. Employee Wellbeing is one of the ten components of the GBC, requiring clear and fair policies to support employees. At Dawsongroup material handling, this commitment starts the moment a new employee joins the team and includes thorough support and training. Andrew Murphy experienced this support first-hand.

A New Direction

Andrew Murphy, known to his team as Andy, joined Dawsongroup material handling in April 2021 after a distinguished career in the armed forces. Starting as a trooper in 2009, he climbed the ranks to Lance Corporal, Corporal, and then Acting Troop Sargent. Once he retired from service, he wanted to put the leadership, management, and organisational skills he had developed to work. Andy was drawn to a career as a forklift engineer because of the variety it offered. “A desk job really isn’t for me,” he said. “I’m not sure I’d do well with each day looking the same. As an engineer, I’m dealing with different problems all the time, even when I go to the same site. It pushes me to think and come up with solutions. It’s what I’m good at.”

Adjusting to both a new job and civilian life was challenging for Andy, particularly as field engineering can be quite isolated. Andy often found himself working alone, a far cry from the close working relationships he had experienced before. With the help of his manager, James Birkett, Operations Manager for Dawsongroup material handling, Andy settled in to the Dawsongroup team. Andy and James, who are both avid mountain bikers, began spending time together outside of work as well. Being able to talk to someone about the highs and lows of his new life was invaluable for Andy, especially as many of his social network were still in the armed forces in the south of England.

“Dawsongroup was understanding that I was coming into a totally different lifestyle and job. I didn’t know how to adjust at first, but I spoke to James about it and got a lot of support. These days, I feel very settled.”

Carrying It Forward

Going above and beyond for our employees is an important part of our business principles, something that Andy has prioritised since his promotion to Field Service Team Leader in October 2023. In this management position, he currently supervises a team of three engineers and one trainee. Andy is committed to creating an environment where his team are comfortable talking to him about any problems and he can facilitate the right solutions for their individual needs.

He also does his best to foster a sense of community and teamwork in an isolating field. While our field engineers are vital part of Dawsongroup material handlings’ success, it can be a lonely job, spending ninety percent of their time out of the office visiting customers and servicing vehicles. By bringing the team together, Andy supports the other engineers and limits any feelings of seclusion.

“Teamwork facilitates learning,” said Andy. “Individuals have their own set of skills and strengths, which is their comfort zone, but it’s only when they’re put into a team setting that they’re able to grow and develop other skills.”

Looking to the Future

As Andrew Murphy looks to his future at Dawsongroup, he aspires to develop his knowledge of the field and continue to lead his team effectively. The broad nature of the Smarter Asset Strategy has made Dawsongroup a ‘one-stop-shop’ for businesses in every industry, the perfect place for Andy to develop his career. With years of management experience behind him, he’s keen to grow with the company, following the progression curve and moving up when the time is right.

“A lot has changed in Dawsongroup since I arrived almost three years ago,” Andy said. “Our apprentices are bringing new techniques into the workplace from their college studies. It will be interesting to see where the team goes next and I’m proud to be part of it.”

If you’re interested in joining a company that prioritises their employees, invests in the local community and supports the Armed Forces Covenant, explore our job opportunities here. For more information about material handling’s agile solutions or to find out more about Dawsongroup’s Smarter Asset Strategy, contact our team today.