Career Heroes - Leah Hill

Tell us more about you

In my spare time I like to keep myself busy. I recently purchased my first home so I have been learning lots of new DIY skills. I'm also an officer in the Girls Brigade where I lead a group of P5-P7 year olds every Wednesday night.

 

What kind of work do you do?

I interpret contracts and analyse data to provide key information to the organisation on a day-to-day basis. I also support the wider Commercial Team by interpreting statistical and market data to produce management information and board reports to help inform business decisions.

My role is mainly office-based. However, I do get out of the office to visit customers around the Port. Due to the diverse nature of Belfast Harbour as an organisation, this could be in a variety of locations and environments, ranging from a quay side where I could be visiting a warehouse full of timber or at a meeting at our dedicated cruise terminal.

Since covid I've had the opportunity to work from home a couple of days a week. My weeks vary depending on my calendar and meetings. Some weeks I am in the office full time, whilst others I have more flexibility to work from home.

I work independently and as part of a team. A key element of my role is providing support to my team members to allow them to do their job effectively, so I get to collaborate with my colleagues and work as part of team frequently, which is very rewarding.

How did you become a Commercial Analyst?

I left school after completing three A Levels in Business, Geography, and Biology. I went on to study a Business and Marketing degree at Ulster University in Coleraine, graduating in 2018.

During my first year at University, I applied for a Bursary programme with Lidl Northern Ireland. I worked for Lidl throughout my degree in a number of local stores and completed my placement year at their head office.

After University, I was offered a job as a Deputy Store Manager with Lidl. I worked there until September 2018 when I applied for a job as a Commercial Intern with Belfast Harbour. I was promoted to a Commercial Analyst in April 2019.

Since working for Belfast Harbour, I have gone back to university, recently completing a PG Cert in Business Recovery post Covid-19.

When it came to deciding on what course to study at University, I choose the subject I enjoyed the most, which was Business. Your university degree can often dictate the type of career you will have, and it was important to me to do something I knew I would enjoy.

When it came to deciding on an organisation I’d like to work for, salary was obviously important but things such as employee benefits, pension scheme, and professional development were also important factors for me.