Working for Altro

Who better to tell you what it’s like to work for Altro than the people who work here? Read the following interviews with Altro employees.

Employee: Amy Weatherall

I have been working for Altro for nearly 6 months and contrary to popular belief I have actually found out that you can really love a job!

I was stuck in a Recruitment role previously that I really didn't like and got my position here at Altro through a friend who works in the same project tracking team with me, Alysse who I have known for years, and I really am glad she did!

I have never worked in a big company before. I was always the one out of my group of friends who decided to work for small companies because I thought that was how I would get noticed and start climbing my way up the career ladder, but it kind of turns out I was very wrong….

Me and 9 other people here at Altro make up the 'project co-ordinators' and it's our job to keep tabs on the thousands of projects we have going on. The projects I look after spread all the way from Birmingham to High Wycombe, so we do all have quite a big area to look after but I don't mind and I'm certainly never bored!

I sometimes think customers do wonder why we are ringing them to ask about projects because I know some of our competitors don't do this, but it really is simply to make sure that everything is running smoothly and to offer any help if needed.

I think I would have to say that my favourite aspect of my job is talking to customers and helping them with any weird and wonderful questions or technical queries they may have.

If you do ever have any questions about any of the projects you are working on or have any technical questions then I (and all my team) do love speaking to you and helping you get your issues resolved so don't hesitate to give us a call!

Employee Profile: Vicki Sharp

Where do you currently work?

In the Human Resources department as Senior Learning & Development Advisor

What does your job involve? What’s a typical day?

I look after learning & development for Altro and Autoglym. This involves working with managers and individuals right across the businesses to identify learning needs and to develop appropriate solutions to meet those needs, in line with our organisational strategy and our budget. Every day is different; there is loads of variety and I work with lots of different people, both within the business and externally, which is why I enjoy the job so much.

What’s been your career path with Altro?

I joined Altro in Jan 2003 as UK Marketing Executive, where I was involved in developing and implementing marketing plans across many different market sectors – including retail and education.  During this time I was also heavily involved in a number of business projects including Innov8 – a programme to develop a culture of innovation and delivery across the business.

At the end of 2007, a vacancy became available in the HR department for Senior Learning & Development Advisor. I felt ready for a new challenge and was keen to build on the culture and people development work that I had experienced on the Innov8 project, so I applied and I’m pleased to say that I started the role in Feb 2008.

I had worked in marketing for over 10 years, so moving to a completely new department and job role has been a big change - but so far I’m really enjoying the challenge. My new team have been extremely supportive and every day I am learning something new… which is quite appropriate given my job title!!

What do you enjoy most about working for Altro?

There is a very positive and friendly culture within the organisation which makes it fun to come to work and makes you want to contribute to the success of the business. Also I really appreciate the opportunity to get involved in cross-functional projects and activities outside of my normal job role. Working on projects gives you the chance to try something new and to meet people from different parts of the business, adding to the variety and interest of your job. It also allows you to directly influence the success of the business and really make a difference. It was my involvement on the Innov8 project that has ultimately led to the job role that I am in now.

Employee Profile: Paul Leigh

Where do you currently work?

In the Manufacturing Production department as a Shift Leader.

What does your job involve? What’s a typical day?

I have the pleasure of looking after a team of people who manufacture our Altro safety flooring, ensuring they are working in a safe, secure and enjoyable environment.  This also involves working closely with our technical team ensuring all our new technologies are being brought forward in delivering the worlds first in safety flooring products. Communication is key success to ensuring we deliver what we say we will, and as delivery is part of our brand value it is apart of every day life in Altro. Customers are paramount to our success and they are at our thoughts throughout processes being introduced and carried out.

A typical day involves checking customer orders have been manufactured and despatched on time, ensuring all our KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) are up to date and communicated to the teams.  Although this does seem repetitive, everyday is different as there are key milestone to achieve during the month. 

What’s been your career path with Altro?

I joined Altro in May 2005 as a Manufacturing Logistics Shift Leader, where I was responsible for ensuring all customer orders were being picked and despatched in a timely and efficient manner. Whilst working within the department I was involved in many different projects and one which involved the whole business was the Innov8 project – a programme to develop the culture within the business which included innovation, open & honesty, creativity, inspirational, delivery, leading edge and confident.

I worked in the Logistics department until August 2006 and then I was transferred into the Production department after showing interest in the manufacturing of our product.  I have completed a Certificate of Management Study’s (CMS) and an internal training certificate called the Learning and Development certificate Level 2, in-conjunction with the University of Hertfordshire.

What do you enjoy most about working for Altro?

When you walk into Altro, you will notice that everyone is welcoming, friendly and genuinely wants the company to succeed and be the worlds best.  As everyone is a share holder within the business so there is a positive and confident air within the business that nothing is impossible to achieve.

I have worked in different working environment and still find it fascinating that the directors take the time to talk you and visit you within your working environment.  Meetings conducted by Richard Kahn (CEO) are most powerful and enthusiastic towards each and every employee and really makes you feel that you are key part to the success of Altro. 

Another enjoyable part of working within Altro is the opportunity to make improvements and changes within the business, whoever you are.  If they are inline with the businesses objectives and strategies you can go ahead and make the changes.  This is another reason why I enjoy working at Altro.

Employee Profile: Denise Scott

Where do you currently work?

I joined Altro back in April 2007, as the Accounts Payable Team Leader, with 4 direct reports.

What does your job involve? What’s a typical day?

I look after the accounts payable department, making sure that all processes and procedures are adhered to. Queries are dealt with in a timely manner and suppliers are paid as appropriate. I have also had the opportunity to get involved with projects that have covered other areas of the business this is great as it has widen my knowledge in other areas of the company. I feel lucky to be able to interact with so many professional people and to be able to put my ideas forward. 

What’s been your career path with Altro?

Upon joining the company my main objective was to implement tighter processes and stream line many procedures. One of which was the implementation of emailing payment remittances to our many suppliers, this involved quite a lot of IT testing which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I also had the opportunity to be involved in the steering group of the Procure to pay project last year.  The aim of this was to communicate the most efficient way to place orders on the purchasing part of the system and the importance of having a clear audit trail of costs for the business.

During this year I have become involved in some of the roles the Assistant Financial Accountant covers with a view to take these on fully for the rest of the year. I am finding this very interesting and a positive experience.

What do you enjoy most about working for Altro?

I also had the opportunity to represent Altro/Autoglym at the 2007 business awards. This was an exciting experience, and a great honour.

My very first experience of Altro was very positive, right from my initial interviews, I was put at ease, I have found that everyone is friendly and helpful and there is a real sense of working as a team.