Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m an engineer and product designer by trade – I’ve always enjoyed the logic that comes with engineering, understanding a problem and systematically working it out.
Having started on the graduate scheme at BAE Systems working on naval ships on the Clyde (from project design to welding!), my role here at Krucial is a much more people-focused one, which I’m glad of. In my career I’ve sat in the control systems of aircraft carriers, learned to fabricate and tested huge diesel generators – now I carry out a more strategic role.
Project Manager sounds like a pretty broad role – what does it entail?
I lead on the development and delivery of projects across the business, liaising between engineering and commercial colleagues to ensure everyone is comfortable with the goals being set.
From drafting project documents to stakeholder management and supporting the creation of engineering requirements, my role is truly multi-functional.
Working across teams is one of the aspects of project management I value the most. The team here are extremely supportive as well as all being experts in what they do, so I’m able to draw on their experience too.
My background is in heavy industry and renewables, now I work on projects pertaining to space technology and IoT. The opportunities in this market are significant, and I like knowing that the projects I lead and the teams I work across are contributing to technology that could transform industries all over the world, from energy to aquaculture.
What’s it been like working for a high-growth scaleup like Krucial?
I was employee number four and seeing the progress that has been made in a short period of time has been hugely exciting.
Working in an environment like Krucial – which is fast-paced and exciting but also flexible and very supportive – is something I really appreciate. I can use my existing skillset while building on it every day, help deliver projects across teams and learning about new technologies.
The thing about working at a scaleup is that every day is different and the opportunities are vast; one day I may be speaking to a potential client about work packages for a trial, the next I could be at an international conference speaking to stakeholders about the benefits of our hybrid communications platform. The variety is amazing!
It sounds like you’re busy! What do you get up to outside of work?
I love being busy, and that’s the same in my spare time! I’m a travel addict and a keen hobbyist – from learning Italian to curling.
Through my travels I’ve also completed the Appalachian Trail in 2018, which was a hike from Georgia to Maine, right up the east coast of the USA (2190.9 miles that year!), and more recently the Pacific Crest Trail up the west coast.
I contracted lyme disease and even got frostbite in my hands but those experiences were life-changing for me and have driven me to think big and be as ambitious as possible – in and out of work.