The Billington Group would not be where it is without its amazing teams. In this ‘Our People’ series, we share a bit more about the diverse roles across our businesses and provide some insight into what makes Billington employees tick!
Name: Alex Law
Job title: Forage Product Manager
How long have you been with Billington Group? Please tell us a bit about your journey within the Group and how you got to where you are today:
I have been working for Carr’s Billington since 2014, starting off at the Barnard Castle Branch as a salesman I progressed to supporting the sales of grass seeds and pesticides. As the forage business grew I took on the wider role of supporting all seeds, crop protection products and silage additives. This developed into the overall product management of all Forage Products now including fertiliser.
Describe a typical day in your role:
The phone begins ringing early! Customers, field staff and branch enquiries regarding all aspects of forage production and product supply. It always great to work the day round some farm calling and field walking supporting our customers on their forage decisions and helping them to resolve any field issues.
What’s the best part of your job?:
Problem solving! Finding a solution to a customer’s requirements as efficiently as possible.
What are the biggest challenges you face when working as a forage product manager?
Making sure you talk to everyone and never missing the next opportunity for the business to develop!
Can you tell us about something you’ve enjoyed working on recently?
Taking on the challenges managing the sales of Fertiliser for Carrs Billington. It is great to influence the relationships between our staff and our suppliers while ensuring we are delivering the requirements of our customers, and all in an incredibly difficult market place.
What makes the agriculture sector exciting to work in?
Continually challenging and changing, with not one year the same! From the challenges of weather to the supply of quality products at competitive prices, in a continually changing industry.
What three key skills would you say you need when working as a forage product manager?
- Understand the whole agricultural industry.
- Take responsibility for the decisions you make.
- Manage customer and staff expectations, while supporting them in their decisions.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get started in a role like yours?
Look and listen, taking the opportunity to speak to everyone. You will never know everything and if you are ever unsure just ask!
What makes The Billington Group stand out as a great place to work?
A multi-faceted diverse business where everyone’s input is important to get results.
Now a bit more about you….
Coffee or tea?
Tea
What’s your favourite guilty pleasure food?
Peanuts
What’s your favourite dish to cook at home?
Roast Lamb Shanks
Favourite weird food combinations?
I normally have a cheese sandwich for my lunch everyday, but when the cheese supply is limited I like a lettuce and marmite sandwich.
What do you get up to outside of work? From hobbies to commitments like being a member of a sports team, we’d love to hear about it!
Freedom! Time spent with my family away from the telephone!
I enjoy drystone walling and I have a couple of large projects on!