Joanne Moss

Managing director, PPS, on pub job interviews, unnecessary packaging and reading

joanna moss pps

What was your first-ever job? As an internet shopper at Sainsbury’s while I was at university.

What’s been your worst job interview? Probably when I turned up at the wrong pub (there were two Plough and Harrow pubs in close proximity). They obviously felt sorry for me so interviewed me. I then turned up late for the interview at the correct pub and I was actually offered both jobs!

What was the first music single you bought? I think it was something by Take That.

How do you describe your job to your friends? The majority of the food they eat has been transported in plastic crates and on plastic pallets. We rent, wash and manage this equipment for food processors.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Working with a customer from the initial consultation right through to the implementation of their new returnable packaging service.

What is the least rewarding part of your job? Seeing the amount of businesses that still use single-trip packaging such as cardboard or polystyrene. Returnable packaging is cheaper in the majority of supply chains and much more environmentally friendly.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? I could really do with a chauffeur! I do a lot of miles between our sites and the time spent in the car can seem like a waste. It would be good to be able to catch up on emails or just read a book while travelling.

What’s your favourite film and why? Seriously cheesy I know, but I just love Clueless.

What has been your most embarrassing moment? The time I wore a snood with my hairnet when being shown around a cheese factory. I couldn’t understand why I was getting such odd looks from the workers - they must have thought I was the bearded woman!

Do you have any phobias? Not really, though I’m not a big fan of silence - it unnerves me.

If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? The use of unnecessary packaging in the grocery supply chain - and how resistant some are to making the needed changes.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? Lots of books! I love reading so it would be great to spend hours lying on the beach with a book.