At Ocado, support doesn’t stop at the job description. For colleagues with a background in the Armed Forces, that support is strengthened through a shared culture, strong leadership, and a community that understands the realities of service and transition.

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The Armed Forces Network brings together veterans, reservists, and allies across the business. It exists to provide connection, guidance, and practical support — helping people translate their military experience into thriving civilian careers.

For Jimmy Steedman, Engineering Operations Manager at Ocado Dordon CFC, that sense of understanding made a real difference. After spending more than 13 years in the British Army as an aviation technician, Jimmy was ready for a new challenge — one that would allow him to build a future closer to home. Ocado offered exactly that.

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“I come from a busy background. Aviation engineering, people management, reactive maintenance — it all transferred well. Joining Ocado felt like a natural next step.”

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From the very beginning, the transition was supported. The onboarding process was clear, communication was strong, and having leaders with Forces backgrounds helped bridge the gap between military and civilian terminology.

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“There’s new language, new systems — but adaptability is something the Forces really prepare you for. You learn quickly how to ask the right questions and apply your experience in a new way.”

That adaptability is something Chris Revill, Senior Engineering Operations Manager at Dordon, sees time and again. Chris also served 12 years in the British Army before moving into civilian engineering roles and eventually joining Ocado 14 years ago.

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“Veterans bring high standards, structure, and the ability to work under pressure. In an automated environment like ours, those qualities really stand out.”

At Dordon alone, the engineering team supports more than16,000 maintainable assets — from cranes and conveyors to shuttles and sortation units. It’s a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment, but one built on teamwork, continuous improvement, and shared knowledge.

Career development is central to the culture. Ocado investsheavily in training, with clear pathways from entry-level technical rolesthrough to engineering and leadership positions. Many colleagues — includingveterans — have progressed across roles, sites, and even internationally.

The Armed Forces Network plays a vital role in personal support. Through open forums, local connections, and shared experiences, the network helps colleagues navigate the less visible challenges of leaving military life behind.

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“When you leave the Forces, you can lose your job, your home, your routine, and your social circle all at once,” Chris says. “Having someone who understands that upheaval makes a huge difference.”

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The network also supports charitable initiatives and community events, reinforcing a sense of purpose that many service leavers value deeply.

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For those leaving the Armed Forces and looking for their next challenge, Ocado isn’t just a place to work — it’s a place to belong.

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