Meet Jacob Cook...
From apprentice to Alexir’s Head of Gifting
Jacob didn’t join Alexir with a polished career roadmap...
He was just hoping to gain some office experience. But Jacob’s curiosity, solid work ethic, and willingness to learn led to the offer of Alexir’s first apprenticeship, and from there, boundless opportunities…
Alexir’s first Apprentice
Jacob’s route into Alexir wasn’t conventional. After college, he decided university wasn’t for him, but he didn’t have a plan. He worked in retail but wanted to see what else was out there. That’s when he heard about an opportunity for a short work‑experience placement at Alexir.
Once through the door, it wasn’t long before Alexir CEO Jeremy Keable took notice…
And so it continues...
Jeremy had been developing his plan to train and mentor homegrown employees to become the management of the future at just the right time. The apprenticeship offered Jacob something rare: the chance to properly learn the business from the inside out, and he took it.
Over nearly three years, Jacob rotated through departments across the organisation: Digital. Customer services. Repro. Print. Cutting. Factory floor. Boots on, overalls on, sleeves rolled up. This wasn’t about rushing him towards a job title. It was about building real understanding.
And now...
That grounding still shapes how Jacob works today. Ten years on from his placement, Jacob now leads Alexir’s Gifting business, overseeing product development, purchasing, customer relationships, logistics and peak‑season operations that see thousands of gifts leave the building every single day.
It’s a business where up to 99% of annual revenue lands in December, meaning decisions are fast, visible and high‑impact.
Jacob manages a small core team year‑round, scaling to 80 -100 people during peak production, and works directly with senior leadership across purchasing, production, logistics, operations and finance. It can be high pressure, but it has its perks…
Industry recognition and pride
Jacob’s work has been noticed beyond Alexir. He has received multiple industry accolades, including a national Rising Star award and recognition as part of the packaging industry’s 30 Under 30.
They’re moments he’s proud of, but they’re not the main driver…
Development that doesn’t stop once you’re ‘in’
Alexir’s commitment to people doesn’t end once someone has progressed. Alongside hands‑on experience, Jacob has completed Level 3 and Level 5 management qualifications through the business and is part of Alexir’s internal future‑leaders and training group.
There is also a clear pathway towards Level 7 (Master’s‑level) training, without stepping away from work or taking on university debt.
That support now feeds back into the business, with Jacob mentoring team members and actively encouraging development at every level.
A culture people stay for
Across Alexir, long service is common. Teams grow, move across departments and build careers, not just CV lines. Jacob puts that down to culture.
A culture people stay for
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If you’ve got the passion for a life-long career full of opportunities, we’d like to hear from you. Get in touch.