On this blog we are featuring Heather Parsons, Project Co-ordinator and Liam Whitfield, Project Engineer from the Elmac Technologies Projects Team.
How long have you worked at Elmac Technologies?
HP: I started in March 2019 as Projects Administrator, overseeing all aspects of project documentation, before progressing to the position of Projects Coordinator in late 2020.
LW: In September, I will have been at Elmac Technologies for 4 years. Having started as a Production Operator in September 2017, I moved into the Projects Team as a Project Coordinator in June 2018. Following the successful completion of my studies in September 2020, I was promoted to the position of Projects Engineer.
What is your background?
HP: I have a project management background from the HVAC industry. In my previous roles, I specialised in servicing contracts for local authorities across North Wales. Whilst working, I have been studying part-time for a degree in law, and certain aspects of this can come in very handy when dealing with the contractual aspects of my project work.
LW: I’m fairly new to the industry and recently qualified at HNC level in Mechanical Engineering. I’m particularly interested in the Marine, Energy and Oil & Gas sectors and looking forward to learning everything I can!
What are your plans for the future?
HP: First of all, I’d like to complete my degree and then go on to undertake a Masters in International Business Law. After that, I would like to expand my current role to cover some of the more commercial elements of the Projects Team’s remit.
LW: I’m hoping to grow Elmac’s current supplier base and to work with more UK-based contractors to include site visits, as this will expand my own process knowledge. I’m also keen to resume my education to degree level in engineering and project management. The Elmac Projects Team strives to ensure 100% on-time-in-full project delivery performance, so I look forward to taking more responsibility in delivering complete customer satisfaction whilst providing technical support to our growing customer base.
What does a typical day at the Elmac Projects Team look like?
HP: Before leaving for work, I usually do a quick check of my emails whilst making my first cup of morning coffee. This helps me plan my day more effectively so that I can hit the ground running when I arrive at the office at 08:15. My role involves a lot of meetings, virtual and otherwise, with international customers and I try to schedule most of these for the morning so that I can spend the afternoon working on the documentation and reports that need to be sent out that day.
LW: I wake up at 6:00am sharp with the first job being to enjoy a cup of coffee that gets me functioning. I tend to be in the office early at around 7:45-8:00am and go through and respond to emails from all over the world that will have arrived overnight! My “typical day” can consist of attending kick-off meetings with customers for new projects, visiting sub-suppliers or hosting inspections for customers that are often carried out by third-party inspectors. There’s never a dull moment, and no two days are the same, as there’s sure to be something different happening every day of the week!
And finally, what are your hobbies and interests outside work?
HP: I have quite a wide range of hobbies. I am an avid musician, playing acoustic guitar and performing solo most weekends or playing bass guitar in a punk band. I have a passion for cars and all forms of motorsports especially Formula 1. I’m currently modifying my own car and hope to be able to take it to shows and track days – if of course I have the time!
LW: When away from the office I spend most of my time with friends or family. I love going out for long walks, visiting new places, or simply staying in and playing on my Xbox. As the lockdown restrictions begin to ease, I’m looking forward to being able to go back to live music events and to renew my passion for overseas travel. Who knows, one day it may be to meet our customers!?