Career Case Study

Chris

Head of UK operations for Welding

Pandrol Site / Location:

Worksop, UK

Joined Pandrol

2013

Pandrol, in Their Words...

Achieving, innovative, excellence, supportive.

Career history

I was 17 when I started working on the railway as an Assistant Welder, giving me more than 20 year’s industry experience. I spent 10 years at Weld A Rail where I became a highly skilled Welder after completing my certificates and eventually being promoted to Weld Inspector. I then took a bold move out to Australia and worked on the railway as a Welder, Site Supervisor and Site Manager before returning to the UK in 2010 to work for Weld A Rail once more as Training Manager, where I spent the next three years. To enhance my career, I then moved to Railtech, part of the Delachaux Group, as Business Development Manager where I progressed to Technical Manager before moving to Pandrol as Head of Operations ATW in June 2018.

My role today

To oversee the complete UK operations for the welding business which includes a technical team, administrative, accounts and customer service representatives.

Challenges & achievements

My biggest challenge is this new role. Whilst keeping the entire operation running smoothly, the team relocated from Birmingham to Worksop with only myself and one other original team member remaining. I have therefore had to replace key roles which is always a challenge to find the right people, with the right skills for the right roles.

Strengths & aspirations

I am extremely methodical and conscientious and as a result, always complete what I need to do to a deadline. I hate being late for anything! I have an excellent technical background and I take great pride in helping others grow their knowledge in this area of expertise. My personal strengths coupled with my broad industry background give me an astute business outlook.

My aspirations are to continue to develop and grow with the business – to eventually take a wider role as part of the global operation. To take our best performing division wider into the EMEA.

Why Pandrol?

Because Pandrol products are the best! I believe that we have the easiest and quickest products to use offering the best customer experience available. Pandrol enables teams to thrive and perform at the highest level.

Life outside work

Spending time with my family is my favourite pass-time. I enjoy Snowboarding and playing football. Oh and building projects / interior designs