A Day in the Life: Production Manager

What does your role involve?

We’ve just invested in a brand new production facility at our Burton upon Trent site - “TEHDAS” – which is Finnish for “factory”. Once this is fully up and running and following a period of product development, it’ll be my job to ensure that our industry-leading products are delivered not only on time, but right first time. In particular, one of the key aims of the factory is to increase sales of our VEDA range within the UK marketplace.

What does your typical day look like?

The day-to-day operation of the facility is dependent on lots of different factors, from maintaining a healthy cash flow through to ensuring our production schedule isn’t delayed by a missing part! As part of a small but growing team, it’s also vital that everyone pitches in wherever they’re needed, whether that’s liaising with potential new clients or lending a pair of hands to unpack a delivery.

What education route did you take into electrical contracting?

Fresh from school, I started a mechanical role with a large automotive manufacturer, however, I quickly discovered that welding wasn’t the career for me! At the age of 17, I changed direction and moved into the electrical world as an apprentice panel wireman for a local switchgear company. I never looked back and have gradually worked my way up the career ladder to the role I’m in today.

What initially attracted you to this career?

The range of interesting projects that you can work on as an electrical contractor was a big draw for me. I’ve gained experience on industrial sites, such as factories and mines, as well as high profile sporting projects, such as Olympic stadiums and velodromes. My work has taken me to some far-flung places too, including Russia, Kazakhstan and Finland, of course!

What’s the best thing about your job?

I’ve always been motivated by a challenge, and as the person in charge of taking the production arm of I.C. Electrical to the next level, I feel that I have a real opportunity to make a difference. I’m also a practical person who enjoys solving problems, which is something I’m able to do every day, and working in a factory setting allows me to meet lots of interesting people.

What are the main challenges in your job?

Now that I’m up to speed with the various processes and systems used across the business, one of my main challenges will be to find new ways to make our manufacturing activities as efficient as possible. This will help to us to achieve our commercial objectives by ensuring that valuable time and effort are not being wasted.

What are the top 3 things about working for I.C. Electrical?

Without doubt, it’s the culture, people and opportunities for career progression. The team at I.C. Electrical seem to genuinely enjoy coming to work each morning and it’s clear that everyone’s highly skilled at what they do. This means that every day is a real opportunity to learn. It’s also really positive that many of our current management team worked their way up from an apprenticeship, which goes to show that opportunities are always there for people who are willing to work hard!

What advice would you give to those starting out in their electrical contracting career?

Never say no to an opportunity to learn, and don’t worry about money when you’re young. Instead, focus on being dedicated and making yourself irreplaceable, and the money will look after itself.

For more information about career opportunities at I.C. Electrical, please contact info@icelectrical.co.uk.