Amazon worker from Basildon on rise from picker to manager

Terry Macpherson from Pitsea, Basildon, works at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dartford having risen through the ranks from his first role at the company as a packer.

Terry is telling the story of his career journey during Learning at Work Week, an annual programme run by the charity Campaign for Learning.

The aim of the programme is to deepen society’s understanding, knowledge and engagement in lifelong and continual learning.

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Terry, who has worked for Amazon for almost four years, has used the company’s development and training opportunities to progress and now works as an area manager.

He joined Amazon on a temporary three-month contract in 2018 following 30 years of employment with an accounting firm.

In his previous role, he was a partner and travelled all over the world working on EU government audits.

After reaching his 30th anniversary with the company, he decided it was time for a new challenge and started his own business.

Terry at Amazon. Credit: Clearbox

However, just as he took the plunge, his wife was made redundant.

When he joined Amazon as a temporary packer at the fulfilment centre in Tilbury, he was initially looking for a steady, short-term role over Christmas, but enjoyed it so much he decided to stay.

He said: “My first job at Amazon was in packing, using a new IT system.

“I was given the opportunity to work on developing the system.

“This saw me connecting with teams in Germany and Italy and solving problems; something I realised I missed from my previous job.”

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Almost four years on, Terry is completing a Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) through the Amazon Apprenticeship Programme.

He added: “I love solving problems and helping people, which is a big part of my job. However, what makes Amazon such a great place to work is the team.”

Terry is also the point of contact on Amazon Dartford’s People with Disabilities affinity group, which sees him help with the creation and running of team events and activities.

He wants to continue his career with Amazon and plans to use the various training and development programmes at his disposal to help his progression.

“I aim to go as far as I can with my career, and I have my sights set on becoming a senior operations manager,” he said.

“I’m not sure if I’ll get there, but if I didn’t have any goals when I started at Amazon four years ago, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

Offering his advice to anyone thinking of applying for a role with Amazon, Terry says: “Amazon is a great place if you’re up for a challenge and want to push yourself.

“I would advise people to research all the great opportunities for education and career development with Amazon such as the Amazon Apprenticeship programme.

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“If you’re coming to Amazon, join with an intention of continued learning.

“Amazon has been a great employer to me. I really appreciate how much support and encouragement is given, especially when it comes to moving up and developing skills.”

Priyanka Bernard, Amazon Dartford general manager, added: “We are extremely proud of Terry for how he has risen through the ranks since joining Amazon in 2018.

“He is a valued member of the team here at Amazon in Dartford and we hope that his story will inspire others to enrich their own careers through the wide variety of development programmes available to them.

“Terry models the benefits of committing to lifelong learning and we are excited to see him progress even further with us.”

To find out more about beginning a career with Amazon, visit Amazon Jobs.