Green Flag career journeys: Scott Wilson

“Trust your team. Let them get on with what they’re great at, and just be there to help whenever it’s needed.”

Scott Wilson 's been part of the Green Flag team since 2017 and has had a big impact in that time.?

We chatted with him to find out about his career journey so far, how he’s developed at Green Flag, and what advice he'd share with others.

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Tell us about what you do at Green Flag.

Since October 2021, I’ve been our Technical Customer Support Manager, and I’ve managed the technical team since 2018.

This team's based across a few different sites. We support all our colleagues and customers with technical advice, and we help customers fix vehicle issues over the phone (when it's possible).

I also work with the team that deals with more complicated situations when a vehicle can’t be fixed at the roadside. We work with customers and our network of technicians to help find a local garage, arrange a long-distance recovery, sort out onward travel, and plenty more.

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How did you end up joining Green Flag?

How long have you got?

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Oh, take as long as you need.

It does scare me when I say this, but I’ve been working in the breakdown industry for nearly 20 years.

I started my career as a motor vehicle technician apprentice, working at a Ford dealer for 11 years. This is where I qualified to become a motor vehicle technician (or ‘a mechanic’ as it was called in those days).

After three years at a Honda main dealer, I moved into the breakdown industry. Starting as a technical support engineer, I got to learn everything about breakdown cover, including going out to help customers at the roadside. Then, I progressed to become a technical team leader and managed the rosters for 18 engineers.

During this time, I got put at risk of redundancy. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to learn some new skills and become an SAS programmer/data analyst.

I was pretty different to the other analysts. I didn’t just know how to extract data about vehicle problems, I understood what those problems actually were. Understanding both worlds was hugely beneficial.

Skipping ahead, thanks to all this varied experience, I got the opportunity to join Green Flag as a data analyst and my role quickly grew to what it is today.

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What’s been a highlight during your time here?

There have been a few, but the main highlight has been seeing teams grow. The technical team, for example, has tripled in size since I've been here.

But it’s not just about growing the number of people in the team, it’s about growing the skills and capabilities of all those people. I’ve really enjoyed seeing everyone develop.

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What’s some advice that’s stuck with you?

First, no matter your role within a business, always be approachable.

Second, trust your team. Let them get on with what they’re great at, and just be there to help whenever it’s needed.

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What advice would you give to others?

Be clear in the direction you want to go and set a path to get there.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and challenge. It’s widely said, but there really is no such thing as a stupid question.

Finally, grab every opportunity you can with both hands and make the most of them.

If you’re interested in joining the team here at Green Flag (we wouldn’t blame you at all), check out our vacancies on the Direct Line Group website.