Hannah Bamford

From passing tools in the shed as a kid to leading national accounts for an internationally recognised Australian brand, Hannah Bamford has built her career on curiosity, authenticity, and a genuine love for the industry. Now stepping into the role of National Accounts and OEM Manager with Lightforce Group, she brings with her a wealth of experience from her time as Field Sales Manager at Burson Auto Parts where she led a team of automotive sales representatives across WA and SA, and by her own account, left them emotional to see her go.

Hannah's path into automotive wasn't a straight line; it wound through hospitality, a Diploma of Marketing and Communications, and a series of sales and coordination roles before she found her footing at Burson.

What's carried her through it all is a sharp instinct for people and an unshakeable belief in knowledge-sharing, something she sees as central to making the industry more welcoming for women. In her words: the gatekeeping is finally being broken down, and that's worth celebrating.

Firstly, congratulations on your new role! Tell us about what you were doing before, why you made switch and what do you now with Lightforce group?

Prior to accepting my current role as National Accounts and OEM Manager with Lightforce, I lead a team of Automotive Sales Representatives across WA/SA as Field Sales Manager for Burson Auto Parts. 

Stepping away from Burson and the wonderful team I was a part of wasn’t a quick decision. I am proud of the team we built, and even prouder of the reception of the news that I had decided to move on. You know you’ve fostered a good culture when your team are just as emotional that you are leaving as they are excited for the next chapter in your career. 

Moving into my role with Lightforce, I look forward to bringing my knowledge of the automotive industry and dynamic understanding of market demand to represent an international brand with locally made products, backed by a South Australian Team. Together, building upon established relationships and creating new connections with our brand and product across National and OEM Accounts. 

How did you get started in the automotive industry? Do you love it?

Professionally, I started in the Automotive Industry as a Sales Representative for Burson Auto Parts. 

Personally, I was in the shed, passing tools to my parents and “holding the light the wrong way” earlier than I can remember. 

I love it. The people, the cars, the raw – tell it to me straight – authenticity. I don’t know if I could go back to another industry now…. Not that I’d want to.  

What is the pathway to your job ie. what did you study, formal training, courses etc? 

To start out, I studied a Diploma of Marketing and Communications while working in Hospitality. I was fortunate enough to have personal exposure to the industry via car events, relational contacts and whatever was being worked on in the shed. 

Past this I worked in Sales, Marketing and Coordination before finding a Sales Rep role with Burson, a short stint as a Store Manager, back to the sales game and into Field Sales Manager. 

In the way of formal training, my Diploma shaped the way I look at business, opportunity and the market. Various selling courses and professional development podcasts have assisted my mindset. My curiosity for understanding people and business has under pinned it all. 

Be open to experience, challenge and be curious. Paths don’t pave themselves and even if you doubt yourself, what’s the harm in giving it a go? 

What does a typical work day look like?

Starting in my role I will look to understand Lightforce, our product and our customer experience. Other than the obvious - quality Australian Made products - understanding our value proposition and truly why National Accounts and OEM’s trust us to supply to their customers. 

What are some important skills required to be successful in your career?  

In people facing, leadership and account management I would say, never underestimate your influence and stay true to your personal brand. Authenticity builds trust. 

Pivotal moment in your career? 

I think many women experience this at some point in their career – that “holy sh*t, their just human.”realisation. 

That boss, executive, customer, person you look up to, crowd you’re presenting to. Without a doubt, you will always have one thing in common, being human and everything that goes with it. The sooner you humanize the person/people you are interacting with, the sooner its not so scary. Connection happens when common ground is found. 

One thing the industry can do to make itself more appealing to women?

Normalising the fact that all knowledge is learnt - Jacko wasn’t born with the skill to swap out a RB30 to a 1JZ in his dusty R31 Skyline – who would’ve thought? 

Knowledge is power but the historic gatekeeping of that knowledge is thankfully being broken down by wonderful groups like Women in Automotive and advocates on the ground in motorsport, Car Clubs and communities. Let’s knowledge share! 

Time management is an issue for EVERYONE - how do you manage yours?

A while ago I stopped writing anything important on paper. All things that needed remembering became digital (+possibly backed by a diary note). A digital task manager, such as To Do has been a huge help in keeping me organised and honest to my commitments. 

When it comes to a time crunch – prioritise commitments to people – the rest can wait 

Is work-life balance a lie or is it actually possible?

Work and life have to dance. One takes the lead one day, the other the next. With an almost three year old and a very supportive partner at home I consider myself lucky. I’ve learnt to be honest with my commitments and to be as present as possible to the people who’s lives ill impact the most – my family. 

What are some of the assumptions people make about you and your work.. do people understand what you do?

The old saying “if it was easy, everyone would do it”. In a Sales / Account Management field it can look like, talking all day, laughs and rainbows. Looks easy, well I’d like to think it does! 

Add the stigma or stereotypes of being a women in automotive and you add another layer – I let it fuel me - to be better, to be unexpected and to challenge possible bias. 

Where can your role lead you?

What an exciting thought, who knows – lets find out. 

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

In the boldest way: People remember how you make them feel. They may not remember the words, the presentation or the proposal but they will remember how they felt walking away from your interaction. 

What is your advice to young women considering a career in the automotive industry?

Stay authentic to yourself, why you want this and challenge the status quo. There are no dumb questions and if they make you feel like there are? Well, know they’re probably projecting their own insecurities on you. You’ve got this.