Length of service: 8 years
1. Describe what you do.
I create product codes and re-liaise with the production team for available manpower. I am responsible for scheduling for both our sites in Antrim and Donington.
2. What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?
There is a lot to learn for someone new, and it won’t happen in one day or a week. I would advise you to be patient and ask a lot of questions.
3. When you are at work, how do you motivate yourself?
I try to plan orders in the most efficient way and on time for shipping, which helps to meet our targets and possibly leads to a big bonus. Everyone likes a bonus 😊
4. What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work?
During the pandemic, we had a shortage of boards for a couple of months, which meant it was tough to keep machines running. I always must check if we have enough boards before scheduling, but during that period, it was the opposite of normal, so I had to schedule by boards we had in stock.
5. In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?
We had to change our scheduling process a number of times to suit new projects we were working on to improve our overall service for our customers. I was happy that I was able to adapt to it and plan as efficiently as I could. And it wasn’t easy at the start!
6. How have you grown professionally while part of the SAM team?
I started through an agency down at the back of the factory in the packing area, then a few months later was moved to the office to help in transport. After another few months, an opportunity came to apply for a Manufacturing Cell Leader's job on the night shift, and I was successful. All this happened in the same year, so it was a lot happening and a lot to learn. Through the years I have been moved to different cells, so it helped me to understand the factory and workload better. When a job came up for a scheduler’s role, I didn’t have to think too long to apply for it, as it was very interesting and a new experience for me.
7. Tell me something about you that most people don’t know.
If people don’t know something about me, it means there is a reason for this. I prefer to keep it this way.
8. What’s one item you can’t live without?
My coffee machine. Can’t leave the house without a nice cup of coffee in the morning. Otherwise, the day wouldn’t be good!
9. What’s the first concert you ever attended?
The Rasmus, it’s a rock band from Finland. It is funny to remember as I don’t think rock would be my type of music now.
10. If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It is a very hard choice but I would go for a salmon fillet with baby potatoes, steamed vegetables, and white sauce. Simple but tasty 😊
If you need to get in touch with Margarita or any of our transport team,
call +44 (0)28 9442 8288 or email team@samonline.co.uk.