When Vicky spotted an advert for an Internal Sales Administrator at Peppers in her local newspaper, she was looking for a job that would let her take a holiday with her husband. Ten years later, she is now our Commercial Manager, overseeing Sales, Purchasing and Logistics.
“I was working for a calibration company where my husband also worked, but we weren’t allowed to take holiday at the same time!” she explains. “Little did I know that wanting a holiday together would lead to a ten-year career here!”
Joining Peppers in 2016, Vicky began by learning about our products, getting to know customers and understanding how the business worked. That experience laid the foundations for a career that would take her into Purchasing and, eventually, responsibility for three departments.
Taking the next step
In 2021, Vicky was offered the opportunity to become Peppers’ Buyer, taking on purchasing responsibilities previously managed by the Operations Manager.
It was a significant change, and the confidence placed in her helped her embrace the challenge.
“The Operations Manager at the time felt I would be the best fit, and knowing someone had that confidence in me meant a lot,” she says. “It encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and take the next step.”
Her move into Commercial Manager followed a restructure and Grayham’s promotion from Sales Manager to General Manager. With an opportunity to take responsibility for Sales, Vicky was keen to return to the department where she had started while continuing her work in Purchasing. The Commercial Manager role brought the two together.
Having worked in both departments, she understood their close connection. The biggest adjustment was moving from managing her own workload to supporting teams and taking a wider view of the business.
Keeping people connected
Today, Vicky’s role covers customer and supplier relationships, pricing, and resolving issues with orders and deliveries. With Sales, Purchasing and Logistics under her remit, communication is central to her work.
“You can’t always prevent a problem, but how you respond and keep people informed makes a big difference,” she says.
Over the past decade, Vicky has seen departments work more closely together, developing a stronger shared understanding of how everyone contributes to Peppers’ success. She credits colleagues across the business, alongside the trust and opportunities given to her by Grayham and Tush, with helping her build her knowledge and confidence.
Her contribution also extends beyond her commercial responsibilities. Running the social committee has seen her organise Christmas dinners, Asia conferences, staff days out and Peppers’ 75th birthday party, creating opportunities for people to come together and celebrate.
Helping others progress
Vicky is proud of the challenges she has taken on and the responsibility she has earned and looking ahead, she wants to help others enjoy the same opportunities.
“Having had opportunities to progress at Peppers myself, I’d love to help others build their confidence and take the next steps in their own careers.”
Her priorities include developing people through training, strengthening communication and planning, and continuing to build relationships with customers and suppliers.
Outside of work, Vicky enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting away for a holiday or a weekend break when she can. She loves a good TV series to binge-watch or getting stuck into a book.
“With a busy work and home life, it’s lovely to have time to relax and switch off.”
A final word from Tush Thakore, Director
“It’s been a genuine pleasure watching Vicky develop over those years. She’s matured into an incredibly hardworking, dedicated and focused individual, progressing through the business and thoroughly earning her position as our Commercial Manager.
Vicky will also be an important part of the new team helping to lead peppers into the next phase of its growth, and I’m extremely pleased and proud of how far she’s come.
Congratulations Vicky – a fantastic 10 years, and here’s to the next chapter.”
