Julie Thompson

"The Trainer characteristics are helpful because I have to explain things to different people. I also have to train staff on sometimes complex things. Working in pharmaceuticals and EHS is heavily regulated so Quality Controller personality is very important. It requires a very fine attention to detail and the ability to spot errors. We frequently get audited and accuracy and integrity is key to being successful. The Coach personality fits as I have to work with a very diverse range of people ranging from senior directors and auditors to technicians and service Engineers. I enjoy meeting a diversity of people and helping them fulfil their roles. "

"I manage engineering and EHS for a small pharmaceutical site. I am responsible for ensuring all equipment is properly maintained (leading maintenance engineers), spares and contingencies are available and breakdowns are quickly sorted. I lead projects - new equipment and processes, upgrades to existing equipment and operational improvements. I manage the EHS (environmental health and safety) management system to make sure we are operating safely and in compliance with all rules and legal regulations. I help prepare department budgets and ensure we are compliant with regulations relating to quality. I train staff and work with the management team on site to set strategic direction. I work with contractors and consultants to help fulfil my goals. I enjoy the variety most of all. I love to learn new things, meet different people, play with new equipment and keep my brain active. As a Chemical Engineer I have had great career progression and am now part of the site leadership team. "

"My dad was a stainless steel fabricator for the oil industry when I was growing up. I used to love going through his tools and the smell of the workshop. My teachers at school were very encouraging as I showed an aptitude for Science and Maths and my parents and family always encouraged me to follow my own path. I have worked with many fantastic people throughout my career and some outstanding female engineers who have helped support my development."

"I'm a mum of 2 small boys so my life has changed considerably in the last 5 years. Prior to becoming a mum I enjoyed travelling, eating out, socialising with friends, singing and playing guitar. My life is now all about my boys and I get to play with cool toys, paint rocks, explore beaches and rock pools, fish for crabs, feed the ducks and release my inner child. I love seeing my boys naturally problem solve and work out the world. We still do lots of singing and dancing: currently it is to Baby Shark."

"My work day is really varied and throughout my 15 year career no 2 days have been the same. I may be commissioning new equipment, writing equipment specifications, examining safety legislation, working out how a process works, supporting an audit, completing records, reviewing environmental data for the site, doing accident / incident investigations, as well as whatever tasks are thrown my way. I frequently review technical data in a variety of fields and learn something new most days. I get to work with a diverse group of people. I have to sometimes travel to test equipment or audit vendors. I also have to interact across the parent company network and report metrics and issues to my peers on other sites for lesson learning and sharing of best practice."

"Post secondary education (College, A-levels, NVQ3 or equivalent) Higher Maths (A), Chemistry(A), Physics (A), English (B) Post-graduate degree (MSc, MA, etc.) Chartered Chemical Engineer (CEng). MEng in chemical engineering with pharmaceutical chemistry with merit. NEBOSH certificate in occupational health and safety. Other various courses on validation, pharmaceuticals, GMP, EHS "