Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: Rob Cooper’s Journey from Office Junior to Assistant Manager at Simarco

Please join us in congratulating our European Operations Assistant Manager, Rob Cooper on an incredible milestone, 20 years with Team Simarco! From starting out as an office junior to becoming a key part of our European export operations, Rob’s journey is a true testament to hard work, growth, and commitment.

Join us as we sit down with Rob to reflect on his career so far:

Can you take us back to your first day at Simarco?

My journey began in August 2005, when it was still IFB Ltd. I joined as an office junior in the courier department at just 18 years old and fresh out of college! I still remember how warm and welcoming everyone was, which made settling in so much easier. We were a small team; labelling and processing packages bound for destinations around the globe. It was my very first full-time job and a great place to start.

What initially drew you to logistics and Simarco?

Like many in logistics, I kind of fell into it! I spotted a job ad in a local newspaper and applied. I’ve always had a decent sense of geography, which I thought might come in handy. Plus, with my dad being a forklift driver and my grandad a wagon driver, perhaps logistics was always in my blood!

How has your role evolved over the last 20 years?

After three years in the courier team, I moved into the trailer department, which I’d always had my eye on. Since then, I’ve worked across multiple European export markets, from Spain to Scandinavia and built strong relationships with partners and hauliers and learnt the ins and outs of vehicle planning. Today, I help oversee European exports at Simarco Stoke, supporting the team, sharing my knowledge, and occasionally jumping back into ops when needed.

Your proudest achievement?

Honestly, it’s been a series of small wins that have added up, working my way up from office junior, becoming a homeowner, husband, and father… and yes, keeping my trusty 20-year-old blue Renault Clio running too!

Advice to someone starting in the industry today?

Work hard, stay open to advice, and be ready for opportunity, it’s an ever-changing industry, and there’s always room to grow for those who want it.

Any fond or funny memories?

Plenty of office laughs and great social events over the years! One standout memory is the 2009 fire at our site. Despite the devastation, the team came together, relocated, and had trailers loaded from a temporary yard that same Friday. The teamwork and commitment were nothing short of amazing.

20 years in three words?

Listen. Learn. Grow.

Congratulations on this incredible achievement, Rob! Thank you for everything you bring to the Simarco team.