15 Minutes with Alpaslan
Updated: 22 February, 2024
Meet Alpaslan...Picking Manager at our Sidcup branch, who says that challenging yourself and putting ideas forward are important ways to progress.
Alpaslan joined the JJ family back in 2005 as a night-shift picker in our Enfield HQ. Looking for somewhere to start as a young 21-year-old, Alpaslan wanted a job that he could progress in. After two years, he was promoted to a supervisor role, and in 2010 he was promoted again to picking manager in Sidcup.
During this time, the Sidcup warehouse was still being built, which means that after being there for 12 years, since the very beginning, Alpaslan knows it like the back of his hand.
Believe in the team
Once he clocks in at 10pm, Alpaslan carries the responsibility of checking that all of his staff have everything they need for their shift. He then delegates the night's picking orders and does his job with the utmost care, thoroughly checking prepared orders to ensure customers receive the right products.
Starting as a picker, Alpaslan resonates with his team, always there to support them as he has been in their position. He has developed a good relationship with his co-workers, and they all turn up early before their shift to catch up as friends before work starts.
Patience is the key to progression
Alpaslan loves the family environment at JJ and this family culture is one of the reasons that he has stayed for 17 years. His biggest achievement is his personal development within the company - he did not expect to be put forward for promotions when he started on the night shift in the beginning, and is proud to have progressed to Picking Manager.
Alpaslan's advice for other people looking to progress within the company is to "be patient, some people want to progress to senior roles straight away and aren't willing to put in the work to prove themselves - patience is key. Plus, always challenge yourself - be open to experiencing new things, and if you have ideas don't be afraid to put them forward."
If you're looking to join the JJ team, check out our current vacancies here.