Meet Stuart Clark

Name: Stuart Clark

Current job: Commercial copy manager, but currently seconded to a five-year project.

Joined Frontline: 2014

I have a lead role within this replenishment project and there are areas where I am out of my comfort zone, so I have some amazing steer and mentorship from the business leaders who probably know me, and how I operate, better than I know myself.

The project means I need to talk to people right across the business as well as third parties; this has been a steep learning curve in terms of how everything works together, seeing the business as a whole. But it is so rewarding, particularly when we complete a stage and move onto the next.

As part of this I’ve been put on external management development courses which I take very seriously – this is a large investment in me and invaluable.

Future ambition

We have development maps rather than personal developments reviews. It’s a new way of thinking about ourselves. As a person I’m not someone who has a job title in my head and aims for it, but I have reflected on what I want as an employee and it’s that ‘winning’ mindset and what comes of that, comes of that. So, I tell myself, ‘what do we need to do today, let’s go and do it and help people along the way, give advice, share knowledge, etc’. That is what I’m aiming for – to do my best.

What’s the company culture like

Our senior team are exceptional with some great role models in there – how they act and behave, the quality of their work, they are the industry experts. Our analysts are some of the best in the UK, they have won the awards; the experience in our logistics team is exceptional; the supply chain team know how to build relationships the right way – and all of this comes from good leadership.

There is a continual drive to be the best in the industry and we are not happy to be anything else or do sub-standard work which is great.

Three words that best describe Frontline, in your opinion

The industry’s best!

Any tips for future candidates

The best thing they can do is research the company – who we are, what companies do we work with, we are a supply chain company first and foremost, so look at who we might work with – wholesalers, printers, publishers, etc. Also, in preparing, dust off the old calculator skills and excel skills – people get phased by this, so do some practise.

Prepare some answers and base them on examples of where you’ve worked before and done something different, for instance: solutions to problems, how you effect change.

Welcome to Helen Selves

Name: Helen Selves

Current job: Commercial copy manager, Supply Chain for Seymours, looking after 3rd party distributors.

Joined Frontline: 2014

I work alongside the account managers for the publishers to decide volumes of magazines for each retailer based upon previous sales performance. Basically, I do spreadsheets every day. It might  not seem such a glamorous side of magazines, but I love it!

I joined five years ago as a commercial copy planner, was promoted to copy manager in 2017 and now manage a team of three planners. I work on children’s magazines. I regularly meet with my publisher to review how their titles are performing; it’s one of the largest categories of magazines, and is fascinating.

At this company, if you are willing to develop and work hard they will help you as much as they can. I’m outgoing and pushing myself to do things outside my comfort zone so it’s been a mutual journey to get to where I am now.

Future ambition

I really enjoy working in the supply chain so trying to gain as much knowledge and understanding and getting as much exposure at the moment is most important to me.

Are there three words to sum up the company

Fun, rewarding, loyal.

Any thoughts on the company culture

The people are the best bit about the job, everyone is really friendly and approachable. I like that the company isn’t hierarchical, for instance, if a director has a question he comes direct to us, it’s not filtered down through the ranks. Where I worked before I couldn’t look a director in the eye and that’s important to me.

I’ve recommended two people to the business and both have been a success and are currently enjoying their job. I knew they were the sort of people who work hard and would put in the work and want the same as I do.

Tips for anyone prepping for an interview

Always be honest as it will serve you better in the long run and do your research.

Introducing Agate Howard

Name: Agate Howard

Current job: Logistics co-ordinator in Supply Chain

Joined Frontline: 2017

My role in basic terms is about getting the magazines to the wholesalers ready for distribution. That means speaking to printers, wholesalers, publishers and hauliers. The logistical landscape is constantly changing as magazine sizes impact on how things are packed which, in turn, has a knock-on effect on transport and delivery. This means keeping our retail partners updated and ensuring this is a good experience for them.

I have a portfolio of 30-plus titles to co-ordinate. It’s always busy, and very fast paced. I enjoy coming to work which I couldn’t say in my last job and there are people who have been here for 20 years which I see as a good sign.

The company wants you to develop and get better. When opportunities open up, they want you to step up and grow yourself. You are encouraged to better yourself which is a real positive for me.

Future ambition

I want to stay with a company that looks after me which Frontline does. I want to develop within my role to make sure I’m 100% able, then talk to my manager to see what is the next thing. I could possibly jump into the export space as obviously we distribute abroad too; I’m learning all the time; Christmas, for instance, throws up its own challenges, and there are new titles coming on board all the time. Two years have flown by, I’ve never stood still, so it is a great place for me to grow.

H2: Which three words best describe Frontline

Ever moving forwards.

What’s the Frontline culture like

We have canteen catch-ups and supply chain catch-ups, it’s clear the company has a plan in place and this makes you feel really secure about your own role and knowing things are going to grow.
There’s lots of flexibility – it’s about give and take and a good work ethic.

Tips for interviewees

Be yourself. When I came for an interview I was interviewed by managers but it didn’t feel like they were. I hate interviews but this one was very free and relaxed, it wasn’t as daunting as I expected it to be so my advice is to relax and be yourself.

Hello from Danielle Barnes

Name: Danielle Barnes

Current job: Newstrade Marketing Manager

Joined Frontline: In 2016

I joined Frontline as a Retail Marketing & Planning Executive. After a year I moved to the Newstrade Marketing team as an executive before being promoted to a Newstrade Marketing Manager.

I never thought I would be working in the magazine industry, I fell into it and I absolutely love it.

You just accept that magazines are on sale in the shops but you don’t understand how they get there, and that’s where Frontline come in.

My team manage the client relationship and portfolio for Conde Nast titles such as Vogue, GQ, House & Garden and Tatler. We sit between the publisher and the retailer and manage the budget and retail marketing deals and promotions amongst other things! We are constantly analysing performance and reporting.

No two days are the same, it’s a varied role, challenging in a good way, it pushes me every day.

Future ambition

I really enjoy working for Frontline so I see myself working here and becoming the best I can in my current role.

Pick three words that describe Frontline

Fun, friendly, forward-thinking.

Tell us about the culture

First of all, it’s great to be working for a market leader in this industry. They are head and shoulders above any company I’ve worked for previously. Everyone is approachable, it’s a friendly place, it’s the Frontline way which might sound silly but that’s the case.

Top tips for interview prep

Research the company, it is really important you are interested and show you care and have a passion because that’s how we are here.

Meet Laurence

Name: Laurence Hoefling

Current job: Commercial accountant, Finance

Joined Frontline: 13 years ago

I never get bored, every day is different, from a finance perspective that’s a good thing. I like to be pushed; I never drive to work and dread the day, I think ‘what am I going to achieve today’.

We always want to expand and develop the business and challenge the status quo so there are always new ideas and projects running – it is for us as a finance team to make sure we can support that. I work across all our other subsidiaries so can be in London one day.

I now manage a team of five people and they are a great group of people and provide a safe pair of hands. I started in admin (data entry, scanning, etc) having completed one year in college doing my accountancy qualification. I came to Frontline and the company paid for my training to continue, so I became fully chartered and now I can do anything across finance. Next on the agenda – the company is sending me on a two year Masters Degree in Leadership.

Future ambition

I see my career here for the long term and I want to be running a subsidiary business or this business. When an opportunity becomes available, I’ve jumped at it; as a result, I feel like I’ve been able to achieve a lot in the last few years. It’s flown by, it still feels new and fresh.

Three words that sum up Frontline

Focussed, driven, adaptable.

What about the culture

We always try and help each other out; if something goes wrong it’s not pointing a finger, it’s how can we help improve and stop it happening again. We actually enjoy each other’s company, we choose to socialise out of work, not because we have to but because we want to.

Tips for applying for a job at Frontline

Do your research before coming for an interview; and a good cover letter goes a long way!