We talk to Megan Dyer, one of our talented team members from our Customer Service Department. Megan shares her experiences in the logistics sector, including her path to joining PFE and outlines her aspirations for her future in the industry.
Number of years in the industry?
10 years. I’ve been at PFE for just over three years now.
What’s been your journey getting to where you are today?
My first job was in distribution, not freight forwarding, but another side of logistics. I spent seven years there. After college, I got a junior role at my old company, which handled wholesale distribution in the UK and Europe for a manufacturer based in the US. We received loads of products from the States and then distributed them to retailers like Tesco and Toys R Us. My role included overseeing orders in the warehouse office, dealing with customers’ orders, and arranging bookings and transport across the UK and EU. I did that for a while, and then my luck struck when my manager went on maternity leave. I stepped up to cover her, took on more responsibility, and after two years having proven myself, I managed my own department with eight staff.
The company grew significantly during my seven years – from about 10 people when I started to around 120 when I left. The growth gave me the opportunity to take on more responsibility quickly, and I really enjoyed the challenge.
I worked my way up to being the office manager until I was made redundant because the company relocated. I chose not to move with them, even though they offered. I wanted to stay close to family and saw it as a chance to get more experience in a similar industry. That’s how I ended up in freight forwarding, something I always had an interest in having worked with freight forwarders occasionally in my old job.
I was made redundant in March 2020, and I was supposed to start at PFE on April 1st. However, due to the lockdown, I actually joined three months later. Starting a new job then wasn’t ideal – there were fewer people in the office and no social activities to get to know people. I had to do all my training with social distancing! But I got into the swing of things and started handling pre-alerts, which are pre-shipment notifications that give you a breakdown of what cargo is coming over on what vessel. At the same time, PFE was beginning work with a new account, and the responsibility for looking after that account was allocated to me along with the pre-alerts.
What does your role at PFE entail?
The bulk of my time is dedicated to a key account where I manage all the imports for one of their brands. My responsibilities involve coordinating collections from their suppliers’ warehouses worldwide and organising the overseas shipments, directing cargo to either the PFE warehouse or directly to the customer’s warehouse in the UK. When I initially joined PFE, we had just started working on this account, and it was relatively small. Over the three years I’ve been with the company, the account has grown significantly, and it’s now the main focus of my role.
Despite the increased responsibility, I’ve found a sense of control in managing the growth over my time at PFE, and I genuinely enjoy the challenge. It’s a rewarding role, and I find great satisfaction in the work.
What’s been the best thing about your career?
What I find particularly satisfying in my role at PFE is the autonomy I have over my job. I handle the work independently, and I appreciate knowing exactly where everything stands. Over the last three years, seeing the growth of the key account has been incredibly rewarding. Working on the freight forwarding side has broadened my knowledge, giving me a solid understanding of logistics through experience in both import and distribution industries.
What’s next for you at PFE
I’d really like to step back into a management role, I thoroughly enjoyed leading a team at my previous company. Throughout my career, I’ve always been driven. Particularly as a woman in a male-dominated industry, there’s often this notion that women might not be as career-focused as men. I’ve never bought into that mindset. I’ve always had a deep desire for independence and a fulfilling career. Having that sense of independence, your own income, and the ability to stand on your own if necessary is crucial.
Alongside taking on more responsibilities at PFE, I’m keen on pursuing a higher qualification in logistics, perhaps a degree. Furthering my education in this industry is something I’m genuinely interested in. It’s not just about the day-to-day work; it’s about continuously growing and learning in the field.
At 28, I recognise there’s plenty of time left in my career, and I’m eager to see how it unfolds. I’m determined to keep pushing forward and explore what the future holds. Being at PFE feels right, and I anticipate opportunities will arise as the company continues to grow.
What makes PFE different from the rest?
Many people say this, but there’s a real family feel to PFE. It’s the kind of environment where you could walk in and have a chat with the directors because they’re approachable and always around. Being in an open office setup, you naturally build relationships with other departments, creating a genuinely friendly atmosphere, and that’s something I truly value. There’s a real sense of everyone looking out for one another, and I think that really sets us apart.
PFE does an excellent job for our customers too. We all put a significant effort into maintaining our relationships with them, and it shows. We’ve had customers who have stayed with us for a long time, and it’s not just luck – it’s the result of our commitment. We work hard to keep the customers we’ve got, ensuring they stay satisfied with the service we provide. It’s not just about acquiring new ones; it’s about making sure the ones we have are happy with what we are doing for them.
What are three words that describe PFE?
Successful, Family, Performance.
Who was your childhood hero and why?
My mum was my hero. My parents separated when I was quite young, and she raised me and my two sisters. She instilled in me the importance of independence; I’ve carried that lesson with me throughout life. I’ve always aimed to be self-sufficient and avoid relying on others. Independence is a value I hold dear.
Despite the challenges, my mum worked hard while raising us. Managing a household with three girls and animals to take care of was no small feat. We all pulled our weight, even from a young age, helping with household jobs. Looking back, I realise how much she inspired me, especially in those earlier, less knowledgeable years. I’m incredibly close to my mum; she lives nearby and we often get together and walk our dogs.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
If I had to pick just one favourite meal, it would have to be spaghetti Bolognese. It’s been my favourite dinner since being a kid. But I’ve also got a soft spot for a proper roast dinner, especially the one my mum makes. Her roast potatoes are absolute perfection.
I definitely prefer a homemade roast dinner over going out. My ultimate choice is roast beef with all the classic accompaniments – Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, parsnips, and a medley of veggies, with plenty of gravy.
At Christmas, we mix things up with turkey, pigs in blankets, and Brussel sprouts with bacon – a family favourite. This year, I’m in charge of Christmas for a group of 10 guests. I love the festive season and spending quality time with family, so I’ll go the extra mile to make it a truly special occasion.
What’s your favourite movie?
I have two favourite films – one that stands out in general and another that is specifically for Christmas. ‘The Notebook’ takes the top spot as my overall favourite. It’s a timeless love story that I’ve watched countless times, featuring an older couple reflecting on how they met and the life they built together. It makes me cry every time! For a Christmas movie, ‘The Holiday’ is my top pick. I watch it on repeat, making it my absolute favourite festive film, closely followed by ‘Love Actually’.
