Name: Richard Jones (Hull)
Job title: Order Fulfilment Coordinator – Independents
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m originally from the Valleys in South Wales, but I’ve made my home here in Hull. I spend most of my time looking for fossils on the coast with my girlfriend Jen and I also play lead guitar and sing in local Hull band Sad Capital, which keeps me busy most of the time. Otherwise I can often be found buying snacks from the work vending machine.
Describe your job to a five-year-old
My job is to make sure that everyone has really nice baths, toilets and sinks in their house.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy the range of problems that I have to solve on a daily basis, it gives me great satisfaction being able to come up with solutions that ensure everyone is happy. It is also a pleasure working with the team in the office, who are positive, supportive and also provide snacks.
How did you get here?
It all started with my academic career which I began at Bangor University studying marine environmental studies. During which I picked up a job at B&Q initially as a flooring assistant, but that lead to me finding myself in a design role. Luckily when I chose to pursue my Masters at Hull University I was able to transfer where I was able to work alongside my studies. Upon the completion of my master’s degree I moved to Brooke Ceramics, now MKM Home, where I held many roles including bathroom sales with the most recent sustainability advisor. When I saw the opportunity at Ideal Standard, I felt it was the right time to go and put the skills and knowledge I had acquired to a new challenge and here I am.
What motivates vou?
Learning new skills, this is something that i really value both in both my personal and professional life.
If you could swap jobs with anyone, who would it be?
David Attenborough – I feel being able to travel the world and encounter some of the landscapes and animals he does would be fascinating whilst also being able to educate and help protect them as well, would be a truly fulfilling venture.
Your favourite song lyric or line from a film
Better to burn out than to fade away – Neil Young. I feel this encapsulates wanting to live a life that’s exciting and ambitious as opposed to living safely and not taking risks.
Your favourite app?
Facebook Marketplace. Not really sure that counts but anyone who knows me will agree that I’m forever buying things I don’t need.
Biggest facepalm moment at work
Making the journey to Sainsbury’s on my dinner as I really wanted a quiche. I returned and gave out slices to my colleagues and left the last slice for myself only to find that I would indeed drop that last slice on the floor. Quiche Lorraine upon on the floor, quiche Lorraine is no more.
Richard is pictured above watching Wales play New Zealand with his granshir (grandfather) at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.