Joe’s Career Journey at Carpenters Group
When Joe joined Carpenters Group in September 2023, he didn’t arrive with a grand career plan or years of industry experience. What he did bring was curiosity and a willingness to learn – qualities that would shape a rapid and rewarding career journey.
Today, Joe is a Team Manager in the Outbound First Response unit, leading and supporting teams at the very start of the customer journey. Looking back, his progress is a powerful example of what’s possible when opportunity meets hard work and support.
Finding his feet on day one
Joe joined Carpenters Group as an Outbound Customer Service Advisor and still remembers his first day clearly. ‘From the outset, I felt welcomed and supported’. The induction focused not just on the role itself, but on professionalism, behaviours and how the business works as a whole.
Being introduced to his manager, team and the wider office environment helped Joe settle quickly and start building relationships. It created a strong foundation and gave him early confidence that this was a place where people were encouraged to learn and grow.
From ambition to action
From the moment he joined, Joe knew he wanted to progress. In his very first one to one with his manager, he shared his aspirations and asked for guidance and development opportunities to help him prepare for the next step: Deputy Team Manager.
Not long after, a Deputy Team Manager vacancy became available and Joe was encouraged to apply. He put his application in and was successful!
By June 2024, Joe had stepped into his first leadership role. From there, his focus shifted again. His ultimate goal was to become a Team Manager, and 2025 became a year of development and focus.
When a Team Manager role became available Joe applied but wasn’t successful. It was a setback, but not the end of the road. He sought feedback, reflected honestly, and returned determined to keep improving. He took on additional projects, offered support across the department and worked closely with newly appointed managers to build his experience.
When another opportunity arose, Joe was ready. This time, he was successful and officially began his role as Outbound Team Manager in February 2026!
An unexpected but rewarding career
After finishing a Business Management degree in 2023, Joe admits he wasn’t sure what career path he wanted to follow. He found the role at Carpenters Group through an agency, with no background in insurance, no driving experience, and no prior exposure to the sector!
What surprised him most was how quickly the role suited him. With a natural interest in people, coaching and decision making, Joe found that leadership and management played to his strengths. Everything he knows about the industry has been learned on the job – a testament to the training and development opportunities available.
Skills gained and confidence built
Along the way, Joe has developed skills he never expected to gain, including resource planning, objection handling, chairing meetings, conducting interviews, delegating effectively, and delivering constructive feedback. Perhaps most importantly, he’s developed a strong growth mindset and active listening skills which are essential.
One standout moment came early in his deputy role, when he found himself confidently contributing ideas in leadership meetings. It was the first time he truly felt he was making a difference, and it confirmed he was on the right path.
Supported every step of the way
Joe credits much of his growth to the support around him. From encouraging managers early on, to the backing he received after his initial setback, he never felt left to figure things out alone.
He says his managers have always encouraged him, and that their belief played a significant role in helping Joe prepare for his role today.
What a great day looks like now
As a Team Manager, a great day for Joe is one filled with variety. Balancing productivity with people, managing projects, working across the business, and most importantly supporting his team to succeed. Providing positive feedback, recognising effort and motivating others is where he finds the greatest reward.
Joe’s advice for future colleagues
Joe’s message to anyone considering a role at Carpenters Group is simple: ‘Work hard and be patient. Progress doesn’t always happen instantly, but effort is never wasted’.
Reflecting on his own journey, Joe acknowledges that while it’s tempting to rush ahead, there’s value in taking time to grow. At just 25, with only a few years of full time work behind him, he already sees how far he’s come – and feels excited about what the next 40 years of his career might hold.
At Carpenters Group, Joe’s story shows that with determination and the right support, careers can develop faster and more meaningfully than you might ever expect.
If you’re looking for a role that teaches you a lot, keeps you engaged and gives you options for the future, the Outbound Team is a great place to start.
Want to hear more? Contact our Talent Team on Talent@carpentersgroup.co.uk
