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Career Story: From Sales Rep to Head of Sales

From Sales Rep to Head of Sales: Insights from Chloe Glynn

Chloe Glynn is the Head of Sales and has been with the Travis Perkins Group for five years. Having joined the Management Development Programme (MDP) as part of the 2023 cohort, Chloe used the experience to broaden her understanding of the wider business and accelerate her career progression.

We spoke with Chloe to learn how the programme shaped her career path, the tools she still uses today, and her advice for future applicants.

Expanding Beyond the Day Job

Chloe first enrolled on the MDP while working as an Area Sales Representative. For her, the biggest benefit was the immediate exposure to parts of the business she wouldn't normally encounter in a standard sales role.

"The programme gave me a much better understanding of not only ‘what’ we do, but ‘why’ we do it that way. It helped me to widen my network and build upon my own profile too."

The Power of Self-Awareness in Leadership

When asked about the single most significant takeaway that has stuck with her, Chloe points directly to the Insights Discovery Profile element of the course. Understanding her own working style completely changed how she approaches leadership.

"I have regularly reflected on it throughout my career since, which has enabled me to work on myself and help others do the same. To this day, it assists me with my thought processes and communicating effectively with my team and colleagues. I would recommend an Insights Profile to anyone."

What Makes the Programme Work?

Looking back at what made her cohort successful, Chloe highlights two key components she believes are vital for future training:

  • Cohort Diversity: Having a mix of roles—from Assistant Branch Managers and Hire Managers to External Sales—offered invaluable, varied perspectives.

  • Operational Exposure: Visiting major hubs like the Brackmills distribution centre provided crucial context on the sheer scale and logistics of the TP operation.

Advice for the Next Cohort

For anyone considering embarking on the Manager Trainee Programme, Chloe’s advice is straightforward: you get out what you put in.

"It’s definitely something I would recommend doing. It helps you determine your strengths and areas to improve, while exposing you to parts of Travis Perkins you didn’t even know were there. If you’re looking to build your knowledge and your network, the more time you invest in it, the more you’ll get out of it."

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