- Describe your sector in a nutshell.
The Imports and Distribution sector brings International leading brands to Gibraltar such as Tobacco, Wines, Spirits, Soft drinks and Food.
- What are the different career opportunities/jobs available in your sector?
There are many opportunities across multiple departments, including operations, logistics, sales, commercial, accounts and administration.
- What’s interesting/fun about your sector/industry? Why should a young person want to work there?
This is a dynamic, commercial environment working with world class brands. No two days are the same. This sector is full of challenges and our people need to think outside the box, applying creativity to everyday life scenarios.
Different departments offer different career opportunities, for example:
The accounts department takes care of the group’s company accounts including sales/ purchase ledgers, intercompany accounts and they deal with local and international customers and finance teams.
The commercial team manages a large portfolio of brands from the procurement/logistics to the marketing and sales information. Brands like Coca-Cola have “only Coke can do” campaigns. Involvement in these campaigns can lead to experiencing truly unique activation e.g participating in the Olympics Torch Run or running local high profile competitions.
There are opportunities to attend International conferences, seminars, production plants and raw material harvesting facilities.
The sales team can be selling anything from a 20p bottle of water to a £5000 bottle of Whisky. This team will also experience brand development training, sampling sessions etc.
- What skills/qualities do you look for in someone wanting to join your sector?
We look for people with passion, creativity, a can-do attitude when working with Fast Moving Consumer Goods, organisational skills and good numeracy.
- What is demand looking like in your sector? How do you think this will change in the future?
Currently awaiting the outcome of the Brexit negotiations. Jobs are usually advertised internally before going out. As a small place, Gibraltar will always have a need to import goods from abroad so demand for passionate employees is expected to continue.
- What is the approximate salary range can people earn?
Various salaries in this sector go from minimum wage to top end two-figures depending on position and qualifications (including licenses like forklift or being a chartered accountant).
- What career pathways are available for a young person wanting to join your sector? (University and non-uni routes)
These depend on job requirements and position. In-house training is available, assisted training /qualifying whilst working (e.g obtaining specialised driving licence, sales techniques courses, leadership courses, AAT+ –accounts, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) provider of wine, spirits qualifications, business higher degrees e.g MA in Enterprise Management or Strategic Planning).
- Any advice you would give to a young person wanting to join your sector?
The Imports & Distribution sector is a challenging yet rewarding industry. Not particularly a financially rewarding sector at present in comparison to other career paths so possible candidates need to have an interest in this sector and be passionate about it, whether they are dealing with a mundane but essential task or working directly with a prestigious brand.
