Introduce yourself
Hi 👋 I’m Rachael, Business Operations Lead here at Car & Classic, where I’m dedicated to making sure our operations run smoothly and efficiently so that we can deliver the best experience for our team and our community of car enthusiasts.

Alongside my job, I'm passionate about books, exploring restaurants that serve up food for the soul and, of course, dogs - all dogs. Oh and for some reason, I can't help but give an enthusiastic wave every time I leave a Zoom meeting. Don’t ask me why, it’s just who I am!

How would you describe your role to someone outside of your field?
As Business Operations Lead I am responsible for executing Car & Classic strategy and overseeing company wide projects to ensure we move progress forward for our sellers and buyers. Analysing data and reviewing feedback is key to decision making in my role. This way we can ensure that our users are at the heart of everything we do and we ensure our company goals are aligned with positive outcomes for our users.

How long have you been with Car & Classic, and what drew you to join the team?
I will celebrate my 3rd Car-iversary soon and as you can imagine when each day is different, that time has flown by. I wanted to work at Car & Classic because it's a place where a passionate classic car community meets innovation. The automotive world has so much history, but C&C are looking to shake things up and do things differently whether it’s providing personable customer service online or selling vehicles across European borders. It’s exciting to be part of a team that loves what we do and isn’t afraid to challenge the norm. This isn’t just about classics—it’s about making an impact for users we genuinely care about and working alongside people who feel the same way.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Firstly, I enjoy the collaboration across all areas of the business and tackling challenges together. I find that we embrace change at C&C so that we can continuously improve the way we work and serve our users. Second. I’m constantly learning more about classic cars, and each one comes with its own unique story, which keeps things fascinating.

One of the key things I love about the company overall is that everyone at C&C is encouraged to put their ideas for the business forward. It means that each person can contribute and have ownership of our progress.

What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day in my role includes tracking various projects to make sure everything’s moving in the right direction and staying on schedule. I check in with different teams, often through regular meetings, to keep communication clear and to understand any new developments or challenges. Data analysis is a big part of the day too; I dive into metrics that guide our decisions, helping to produce reports and adjust plans based on what’s working or needs improvement. There’s a lot of planning involved to keep projects aligned with our goals, and balancing all these aspects keeps each day interesting.

Who do you work closely with, and how does your team support each other?
I work with all departments in the business. Whether it’s working with marketing, product, sales, or customer support, I connect with each team to ensure that projects are aligned with their needs and gather input. This cross-department collaboration helps me understand different perspectives, gather diverse insights, and make decisions that benefit the company as a whole.

Since joining Car & Classic, what new skills have you developed or areas you’ve strengthened?
This industry is fascinating, and I enjoy exploring the history and details behind classic cars. I’ve also gained valuable insights into localisation, as Car & Classic grows around the word I have developed an understanding of how to adapt our work to different regions and cultures so it resonates with local audiences. Working in an online marketplace is fast-paced and requires a deep focus on user experience, engagement, and adaptability. Due to this you must maintain your communication skills and stay open minded to a better way of tackling any task.

Is there something you’ve achieved here that you’re especially proud of?
I’m proud to have been part of a team that developed new visibility products for trade sellers. It was a collaborative effort that allowed us to create tools that help our sellers stand out and connect with a wider audience. Seeing the positive impact these products are having on our trade sellers' success has been incredibly rewarding. It was a great example of how we can innovate and make a real difference in the business.

How would you describe the Car & Classic culture? How does this resonate with you?
The company culture here is built on mutual respect, where everyone values each other's contributions and perspectives. We challenge each other but in a positive and constructive way, always pushing for better ideas and solutions, but with the understanding that it’s all about supporting our users. As a team we all pull together in the same direction, working towards our company goals. This creates an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute, and it keeps things both productive and motivating.

What car or bike on Car & Classic would you love to drive?
I know this is a simple answer but it has to be a Ford Anglia. It’s a car that takes me back to my childhood, and I haven’t had the chance to drive one as an adult yet. I know it would definitely put a smile on my face, reliving those nostalgic memories.

How would you describe Car & Classic in just three words?
Ambitious, collaborative and passionate.

What surprised you the most about your team or the work environment when you first joined?
The willingness of the team to spend time with me, each role is a busy one but the support made settling in and contributing right away a lot easier.