The approach I have taken regarding my professional development at Beyondly is likely different from most. I didn’t necessarily have a specific idea about where I wanted to be or what I wanted to be doing in X number of years. I now find myself in my fourth role here in under five years, progressing initially from Data Analyst to Senior Data Analyst and then to Packaging Data & Workflow Leader, and more recently to Data Quality & Compliance Leader. During this time, I have consistently set six-monthly goals with my line manager to support my development and prepare me for the increased scope and responsibility associated with each role.
In my current position, I am responsible for overseeing the accuracy and quality of packaging data across our scheme, including the submission of all scheme member packaging data to the regulator (Environment Agency) via Defra’s RPD portal. Alongside this, I assess emerging and future regulatory reporting requirements, driving alignment within our systems and processes so that our members can respond efficiently and seamlessly to change.
What has particularly aided my development is proactively seeking opportunities to take on additional responsibility wherever possible. For example, in just over 12 months, I developed, managed, and delivered our Plastic Tax Quarterly Data Management service, further strengthening my experience in regulatory reporting, stakeholder management, and service delivery.
- Attention to detail/organisation – while I like to think organisation and attention to detail have always been strengths of mine, I have undoubtedly developed and refined these skills further through my development into a leadership role. These are imperative to my role to ensure that as a compliance scheme, we are delivering for our member base ahead of regulatory deadlines, and as a team (Data), our work is accurate and of a high standard.
- Leadership/delegation – this was certainly a weakness area for me, specifically the delegation side that comes with a leadership role. In becoming a part of the leadership team here at Beyondly and overseeing the delivery of multiple data-related services, I have been able to develop my leadership skills and ability to delegate greatly.
- Ability to handle difficult conversations – this has become an integral aspect of my role, in ensuring we are managing customer expectations as best we can, while also maintaining strong relationships and trust with our customers, when we may have fallen short of the standards we set.
A role within the packaging team naturally requires the handling of multiple responsibilities and no day is the same. The busy periods around regulatory deadlines that come with this role require a high level of organisation, time management, and task prioritisation. Exposure to such has helped ensure the aforementioned skills are well refined and of a high level.
Exposure to difficult conversations, on-site visits, and industry events has certainly helped develop my confidence when it comes to holding conversations and building strong relationships with our customers and other persons involved in the industry.
From my personal experience, it would be to not put too much pressure on yourself when it comes to career progression, ‘that next role’, where you want to be in 5 years etc. If you are not sure about where your passions lie, or how you want to develop professionally, that is ok. In working hard and focussing on your personal development, the professional development opportunities will often present themselves. If the right move does present itself, then by all means go for it.
