Willerby Team Talk – Derek Jordan

As we continue our monthly Team Talk chats, we spoke to Derek Jordan, a chargehand on Line 5.

He joined Willerby as a labourer in the furnishing team in February 1986 and completed a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship to become a fully qualified furnisher. Derek held several other manufacturing roles before taking up his current position in May 2021.

Q. Tell us about your job and what it involves.

A. I’m responsible for making sure the quality on Willerby’s premium holiday homes is right, all the jobs have been completed, all materials arrive on time and I update the manager. I’m in charge of about 10 people, making sure they’re all doing their jobs correctly and have the materials to carry out their roles.

Q. What’s the best thing about your job?

A. Every day is different and I like the variety of the job. I enjoy coming to work, which is why I’ve been here for almost 40 years, and I like the people I work with. I sometimes go out to address customer care issues, which could be anything from marks on a ceiling board to changing carpets, and I like interacting with the customers while seeing different parts of the country.

Q. What does being part of the Willerby team mean to you?

A. Willerby is such a big brand and it’s not just well known in Hull, it goes much further afield. The company has a good name and I feel proud to work for Willerby.

Q. If you didn’t work for Willerby and you could do any job in the world, what would it be?

A. I’d be a lorry driver. I’ve always wanted to drive big lorries and I always had toy lorries when I was a child. I like the travel aspect of it and seeing new places.

Q. What’s your guilty pleasure?

A. I’m a massive Hull City fan and I have a season pass. I’ve followed them for more than 40 years, so I’ve seen the highs and lows, and I travel up and down the country for matches. I’m looking forward to taking my grandchildren to games in the future.