People Story

Martyn's Story: Transferring military knowledge to operations management
In 2023, Martyn joined Serco as an Operations Controller, coordinating vessel logistics — a role closely tied to his naval experience. He was quickly promoted to Operations Coordinator, overseeing the ops room. “It’s funny,” he says. “In the Navy, I’d call Serco to request vessels. Now, I’m on the other side, answering those calls.”
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Martyn’s knowledge of Devonport dockyard and naval operations proved invaluable. “I already knew half the job because I’d worked alongside Serco during my naval career,” he explains. His ability to understand both military and civilian perspectives has been a key asset. “When the MOD asks for something that seems out of the ordinary, I can explain why — because I’ve been there.”

"[In the military,] you learn to juggle multiple tasks and think on your feet. That's helped me deal with the fast-pace and problem-solving this role demands. At Serco, my manager has been great in mentoring me to help bridge any gaps, and I'm learning as I go."

Martyn
Operations Manager, HMNB Devonport

While many skills transferred smoothly, some areas required adjustment. “HR and finance were new to me,” Martyn shares. “In the Navy, you have specialists for that. But at Serco, my manager has been great in mentoring me to help bridge any gaps, and I’m learning as I go.”

Martyn also credits the Navy for instilling vital soft skills. “You learn to juggle multiple tasks and think on your feet. That’s helped me deal with the fast pace and problem-solving this role demands.
Alongside his operational responsibilities, Martyn also supports apprentices across the team. Each year, they bring in deck and engineering apprentices on structured programmes lasting between two and four years.

Having since been promoted again to Operations Manager, Martyn oversees apprentice development, staying closely involved while day-to-day guidance is provided by dedicated mentors. “I make sure I’m having regular conversations with them, just to check they’re okay and support them if they need anything,” he says. For Martyn, it’s a rewarding part of the role — seeing individuals grow in confidence and develop into capable members of the team.
With his sights set on further progression, Martyn reflects on his journey. “It’s been rewarding to use my Navy experience in a new way. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I’m excited for what’s next.”

At Serco, we're proud to support service leavers into secure and meaningful civilian careers. In fact, we were one of the first companies to publicly commit to the Armed Forces Covenant, launched by the Armed Forces Minister in 2013. With a defence workforce made up of 39% veterans, this is a great place to find support and community when you resettle.

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