Graduate Case Studies - James Gupwell - Infrastructure Manager - Cadbury
Age: 37
University and degree: Aston Business School, MBA
Work Title: Infrastructure Manager, Britain & Ireland, Middle East & Africa & Corporate Functions, Cadbury.
What it is you actually do? I deliver the IT infrastructure services to the companies based in the regions I look after. Examples are Data Centre Hosting, Telecommunications (data & voice networks), End User Services such as Desktop support, and IT Service Desk.
Why did you decide to stay in the West Midlands after graduation? While I finished my studies at Aston, I was actually working for Argos in Milton Keynes. However, I lived in Solihull, and was keen to look for a role closer to home. Cadbury's were recruiting at the time, and I now travel 14 miles a day instead of 140 miles a day!
Why did you decide to go into this sector? I have worked in most sectors during my career (Energy, Pharmaceuticals, Financial Services, and Retail). I was attracted to Cadbury's by both the fantastic brand name, and also the fact that it is a fast moving consumer goods firm, which is an area I had yet to work in.
What do you like most about you do? Every day is different. Change is constant. Since joining in June 2006, I have had at least 3 jobs, and am about to move onto a project secondment for 7 months! Cadbury is a very global company, so on any one day I might be working with colleagues from America, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Of course the chocolate also helps.....
Are there any downsides? Time zones. It's always a challenge to find a time when you can get everyone onto a call if it involves both the US, UK and teams in Asia Pacific. Invariably it means one of us will be working either very early in the morning or late at night.
What do you think are the most important skills/strengths you need to make a success of what you did? The ability to manage change. Most of what I do actually has less to do with technology and more about implementing change into our organisations. It just happens to be that most of what I do has a technical bias.
The ability to manage lots of competing priorities. Being able to set clear expectations about what can and can't be delivered is critical.
The ability to create successful partnerships with 3rd party suppliers. I work with lots of vendors who we have outsourced services too, whether its HP for data centres, or BT Global Services for Networks, building credible relationships with the suppliers and aligning them to our goals is critical.
What would be your best piece of advice for graduates wishing to come into this sector? Come in with an open mind. FMCG companies move very very quickly, so be prepared to handle change in all its forms.
Add to
Send to a friend
Post a comment
Comments
No comments....
Graduate Employers
| Teach First | Teach First recruits on university campuses in search of the most ... | more |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | If you've ever had nightmares about spending years at university o... | more |
Graduate Case Studies
|
Shamsi Rashid - Library AssistantMy role includes receiving and dispatching books. There is a lot of cash handling involved as we must sell publications and promotional materials, as well as dealing with fines, which requires a very objective and diplomatic approach. I also enrol new members and cancel memberships. ... more |
|
Peter Betts - Section Manager of Furniture and Electrics - John LewisAs a Section Manager I have responsibility for a Section within the department, as well as the department as a whole. This responsibility is not just sales targets, but also includes development of my Partners, self-development, high levels of customer service, efficient stock levels, low levels of wastage, and satisfied Partners. ... more |
|
Rebecca Patel - VCS Strategy Co-OrdinatorI work within the voluntary and community sector (VCS), commonly known as the Third Sector and my position is an enabling position to bring together VCS organisations, including vulnerable Black and Ethnic Minority groups, together with Children and Young People’s Services to address identified issues such as safeguarding and child protection, in order to enable a healthy and dynamic sector. ... more |
|
James Gupwell - Infrastructure Manager - CadburyI deliver the IT infrastructure services to the companies based in the regions I look after. Examples are Data Centre Hosting, Telecommunications (data & voice networks). ... more |
Graduate Advice
|
Although these are difficult times for graduates there are some relatively... more |
|
Nailing That Position- Top Tips for Getting Picked For Graduate Training Schemes If you’re currently stressing over applying for and going for interview... more |
|
Middle Earth - The West Midlands For a start there’s the exciting city of Birmingham, which boasts... more |
|
Your career is the biggest lifestyle choice you will ever make. It determines... more |
Comments