Job Title: Director of Operations
Company: Britvic
Tell us a bit about yourself. This can include telling us what fires you up about the job you do, your professional achievements, your career highlights. What inspires you? What attracted you to pursue a career in manufacturing? Is there anything else you’d like to say about either your job or UK manufacturing?
As an Operations Director in the beverage industry, my passion lies in driving operational excellence and nurturing leadership. I have been lucky enough to have been involved in the manufacturing of iconic global brands in many sectors. A career highlight has been leading a site and doubling output, becoming the largest soft drinks site in Europe.
This achievement was accelerated through a commitment to continuous improvement in the adoption of digitisation. With a degree in chemical engineering, transitioning into a manufacturing environment was a natural progression. I am fortunate enough to be at a time in our industry where we are involved in the changing landscape of technology through automation and digital transformation, and the key to success has been developing teams in new ways of working. Representing a diverse community in an engineering leadership role has been incredibly fulfilling and motivating too.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Follow your passion, work hard and smart! Take risks, embrace change and don’t be afraid to fail. Finally, network – surround yourself with positive people who think differently from you.
What is your favourite engineered/manufactured product?
Having worked in the food, pharma and beverage industry, it’s hard to pick one favourite manufactured brand. However, I do like a gadget, so currently it is an automatic intuitive bean to cup coffee machine along with my Apple watch.
Please give one interesting fact about yourself that not many people know.
I was part of a pilot scheme for a comprehensive school where I finished my A levels at 17 – not so great at university when trying to get into bars though!
If you weren’t in manufacturing what would be your dream job?
That’s easy – a footballer playing centre back for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
