Leidos UK empowers RAF veteran to compete on global athletic stage
Leidos is committed to creating an inclusive workplace, where every colleague feels empowered to fulfil their potential. Mark Saggers, a customer relationship manager within the UK Logistics Commodities and Services Transformation (LCST) programme, recently represented the Great Britain (GB) Age Group team at the European Duathlon (run, bike, run) Championships in Portugal.
Mark joined Leidos in 2019 after 34 years in the RAF. In search of a second career, he says, “it just made sense to stay in an industry where I had experience.”
Following a brief stint at a third-party logistics company, Mark heard about an opening at Leidos from a friend.
“Right away I was pleased with the company,” he smiles. “Their ethos, their values, how they treated their staff, the structure – I knew it was a good fit.
“The whole dynamic of leaving the military and starting out in civilian life can be traumatic in many ways. You’re kind of institutionalised.”
But Mark took great comfort in being surrounded by likeminded people who shared similar military experiences, as well as those who didn’t. "You need the breadth of view from people who haven’t been in the military because they’ve got their perspective and skills that they bring.”
Admitting he has become “more civilianised,” Mark feels Leidos has bridged the gap between a military and civilian workplace. His RAF logistics career started at the tactical level: packing boxes and basic inventory accounting tasks. As his career progressed, Mark became more interested in the use of data and optimising the supply chain. This culminated in an Air Officer Commanding 83 Expeditionary Air Group Commendation for optimising the deployed inventory and increasing asset availability at Kandahar Airbase, Afghanistan.
I believe it is these types of skills that integrate so well within Leidos and the LCST programme. In particular, understanding the end-to-end supply chain and the impact on the end user, which, in my current Leidos role translates to our Team Leidos customers, whom we aim to delight!
Mark Saggers
Customer Relationship Manager, Leidos UK
Just as Mark began to settle into his new role, COVID-19 hit. Despite its challenges, Mark believes one of the few good lessons to come out of the pandemic is how to work most efficiently. “We can now optimise what we do in a better way that suits people,” he says.
For Mark, this meant being able to balance his training with his work, which he believes is the key to his success.
At least four days a week, Mark does what he calls a “virtual commute” – typically 30-40 minutes on his bike trainer. “It sets me up for the day mentally,” he says.
The flexible, hybrid nature of his role means he can fit in 10-12 hours a week with structured run, bike, and strength and conditioning sessions to maintain his fitness.
“I like to get all my low intensity training done early in the morning. This helps set me up for the work day, knowing that I have banked some training – and it wakes me up energised for the day ahead.”
Mark is an absolute legend and we’re extremely lucky to have him in our team. The most supportive and professional team player, he energises and champions Leidos values in all that he does with his intuitive understanding of our customer’s needs and his encouragement of the team. Unbelievably modest, Mark celebrated his 5 year service anniversary this year, has been promoted within Leidos, and won an award last year within the logistics division for his work performance.
Ben Hughes
Head of Customer Relationship Management, Leidos UK
Mark spent over 30 years doing triathlons, having always enjoyed the physical challenge, but the closure of swimming pools during the pandemic forced him to focus on biking and running. He decided to optimise what was available to him and quickly re-established his goals.
In May 2023, Mark qualified to represent the GB Age Group Team – the highest standard for non-elite professionals. After a year of focused training, Mark raced for Team GB in Portugal at the European Sprint Duathlon Championships in June 2024, just missing a medal and finishing in fourth place. As first GB finisher, he has now pre-qualified for the 2025 championships, which will likely be held during May/June in Poland or Germany.
"The way I am performing now is better than 10 years ago, even though I am significantly older. I put that down to the work-life balance. Not just physically but my mental well-being. At Leidos, you aren’t restrained in what you do. You can recharge and then all of a sudden the whole picture becomes clearer and more manageable.
“I am really grateful for Leidos’ support – it goes to show how they feel about the well-being and welfare of their people.”
