1989-93, Apprentice machine tooler, Case International
When I left school, I decided an apprenticeship was the best route into my career, laying a solid foundation for a future in the engineering industry.
1993-2005, Machine tool fitter/maintenance team leader, Graziano Trasmissioni
Following my apprenticeship, I moved into the role of machine tool fitter, progressing to maintenance team leader. It was during this time that I focused on continuous improvement techniques and plant layout, as well as developing project management systems. In my role as maintenance team leader, I also led a team of maintenance engineers – something I really thrived on.
2005-07, Works manager, Newburgh Engineering
I initially joined Newburgh as maintenance team leader and was promoted to works manager after three months.
As well as the ‘day job’ of implementing new manufacturing and engineering techniques to ensure the site ran efficiently, a key part of my role was people-focused. I had direct management of 24 employees, from skilled machinists to office staff, and I was responsible for fostering a welcoming and inclusive working culture within the organisation.
I also developed and structured an apprentice training programme, something that I am passionate about to this day.
2007-08, Operations manager, Anchor Magnets
My next role was operations manager for a manufacturer and supplier of magnetic solutions to various industries including retail, promotion, advertising and engineering. Again, the people side of the job was a big focus, leading on cultural change and focusing on employee development.
2009-14, Works manager, Newburgh Engineering
After contracting, I returned to Newburgh Engineering in an expanded role, which saw me take overall responsibility for the Rotherham site, managing a turnover of £6.5m. I managed more than 70 employees, made up of skilled machinists, engineers, office staff and apprentices. Again, the apprenticeship programme is something I’m particularly proud of. We built it to 25 apprentices.
2014-15, Head of operations, The Proving Factory (TATA Steel)
The Proving Factory is part of a new ‘added value’ division of TATA Speciality Steels, developing new technologies for various sectors including automotive, power generation and aerospace. I had overall responsibility to set up a new production facility, including identifying plant, systems and recruitment of personnel in line with the business plan.
2015-16, Senior operations manager, Safestyle UK
A completely new sector for me, I assisted in the development of company strategy to facilitate growth – increasing output from 5,400 units to 11,000 units per week over two years – as well as delivering a new £6m factory plan.
2016-19, Freight operations and commercial manager, Wabtec Rail
This was my first role in the rail industry, and where my current passion for the sector began. Wabtec Rail specialises in the life extension, overhaul, maintenance and refurbishment of safety-critical railway rolling stock. With full operational responsibility, I learned a lot about the rail freight industry in particular.
2019- Present, Operations director to managing director, CWE
As managing director of CWE – the independent supply, maintenance and logistics partner for the rail industry – we constantly work to apply the latest thinking to complex projects that help our customers keep their rolling stock on track.
This has involved us undergoing a major transformation over the past two years, including a new brand, new senior management team and successfully tendering for major contracts across the sector.
Our commitment to the rail industry has also seen us establish a Centre of Excellence for Rail at our Crowle base, bringing all of our capabilities together under one roof. It is also here that we spearhead our apprenticeship programme, nurturing the next generation of rail engineering talent and showcasing the variety of options a career in rail can provide. As a former apprentice myself, promoting our sector as exciting and dynamic is something that I am passionate about, to help address the skills gap that is now a major issue for our industry.
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