Welsh cy
Oliver Clark — Manufacturing Graduate – Operational Excellence

Name: Oliver Clark
Job title: Manufacturing Graduate – Operational Excellence
Employer: Bakkavor
Qualification: MEng Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering
Salary Range: approx. £35k

Describe your job in 20-25 words.

Operational Excellence means continuously improving the factory operations; reducing waste, improving efficiency and availability as well as maximising productivity by applying Lean Manufacturing tools.

How did you end up in this job?

I am/was keen to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and to develop a career in operations. The FMCG industry suits this perfectly and in particular the Food and Drink industry. Working in operational excellence allows me to apply the engineering principles I learned in my degree to an industry that I am passionate about.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is working with amazing people and products every day! I get to look for operational improvements that could potentially save the company hundreds of thousands of pounds annually. The taste panels aren’t bad either!

How long have you been doing your job?

I have been doing this job for only a month now, but my first year of the scheme was spent as a Section Manager at Bourne. There, I was managing the Fruit Prep and Assembly areas and that has provided me a strong basis to look for my current role.

Did you buy something special with your first pay cheque?

With my first paycheck I bought a new phone! It was great to celebrate my first month of work and to feel as if I’ve earned it.