Keeping Braintree Moving: Meet Kieran Andrews
I’m Kieran Andrews, Warehouse & Logistics Supervisor at Oadby Plastics Braintree branch. I joined the business in 2018, on the very first day the branch opened, and have now been part of the Oadby Plastics Braintree team for over eight years.
Warehousing and logistics have been a part of my career since leaving school, when I completed an apprenticeship in the sector and gained my NVQs. Having previously worked for a family-run business, Oadby Plastics really appealed to me because of its family feel and the welcoming impression I got when I first visited. I was keen to become part of the team and help build something from the ground up.
I initially joined as a Warehouse Operative and Relief Driver, but over time I developed my skills, took on further responsibilities and progressed into my current role as Warehouse & Logistics Supervisor.
My role covers all aspects of warehousing and logistics at our Braintree branch, from overseeing daily operations and managing the team to ensuring our processes run safely, efficiently and to a high standard. I’m also a designated First Aider and Fire Marshal for the site, alongside supporting our wider health and safety responsibilities.
A typical day involves planning warehouse activities, setting priorities and making sure the team is prepared for the day ahead. A key part of my role is ensuring customer orders are picked, prepared and dispatched accurately, safely and on time, while maintaining the high standards our customers expect.
I work closely with our Sales team to coordinate orders and plan deliveries, while also overseeing our daily transport routes to help ensure deliveries run as smoothly as possible. Stock control is another important part of my role, including maintaining appropriate stock levels and managing inventory checks to support accuracy and availability.
Throughout my time at Oadby Plastics, I’ve been involved in a number of important projects as the Braintree branch has continued to grow and develop. One of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing my department expand from a team of two to seven, with increased activity, responsibilities and opportunities to develop.
A particularly significant development was the introduction of DX as a carrier for our branch. This has more than doubled our daily warehouse activity & creating new challenges.
My role also gives me the opportunity to work closely with colleagues across the wider business, particularly within Sales and Purchasing, building these relationships and sharing ideas.
I’m always keen to develop my knowledge and build on my experience. During my time at Oadby Plastics, I’ve completed a range of courses, including IMS Management and IOSH, helping to strengthen my understanding of management, health and safety, and the responsibilities that come with overseeing a team and warehouse operation.
For me, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing the team’s hard work come together and knowing that the orders leaving our branch are prepared to the highest standard. Delivering on our commitment to customer service excellence is something I take great pride in, and it’s important to me that every customer receives the service they expect from Oadby Plastics.
I also really enjoy seeing members of my team develop, gain confidence and grow within their roles. Supporting people as they learn new skills and take on more responsibility is a big part of what makes the role enjoyable.
No two days are the same, which is something I particularly like. The variety of challenges, the opportunity to improve how we operate and the interaction with colleagues across the wider business keep the role interesting and give me plenty of opportunities to learn and develop myself.
Over the past eight years, I’ve seen the Braintree branch develop considerably, and I’m proud to have been part of that journey from day one.
I’m excited to see what the future holds for Oadby Plastics, particularly at Braintree, and I look forward to continuing to develop alongside the business, supporting my team and helping the branch achieve its ambitions.
