Q&A with Kathryn Whitehurst

Join us as we get to know pmConnections Kathryn Whitehurst!

September 21, 2022

What is your job role at pm Connections?

Project and Compliance Engineer

What are your main responsibilities as a Project and Compliance Engineer?

I am seconded to a large snack food manufacturer and work with our Client in assisting the Projects Team with their yearly allocation of projects. I also complete PUWER assessments at various locations around the UK, and I’ve recently started completing H&S audits.

What is a typical day (or week) like at pm Connections for you?

A typical week for me is 4 days on-site at our Client’s premises, scoping out projects, contacting suppliers for quotes, meeting with the on-site to take them through the requirements for the project, and completing internal applications for funding once we’ve finalised all of the quotes, then liaising with suppliers and the on-site production team to arrange when the works can be carried out, in the most efficient and safest way. It’s an office job, and I go into the factory when I need to. One day a week is kept free for other compliance work, such as PUWER assessments, H&S Safety Audits.

What do you like most about your work?

I like the variety. My focus from month to month can be different, depending on whether project work is about to start, whether it’s being carried out turn-key by a supplier, or being managed more closely by us. Once a project is completed, that frees up time to scope out more projects that have been assigned to the team. This gives me a great sense of fulfilment, and I also get to learn about many different parts of the factory.

What kinds of problems do you deal with?

Arranging project works so they don’t conflict with scheduled engineering works. Also, keeping project works on time, keeping good communication with the contractors to find out whether they are on schedule and whether they need any help.

What kinds of decisions do you make?

I decide which contractors to reach out to for quotes, depending on what we need for each job. If I have a good relationship with a supplier, and I know what services they provide, then I know I can go to them for a quote, which makes my job a lot easier.

How did you become interested in this field?

I studied Food Engineering at University because it’s an ever-evolving industry in terms of products and manufacturing processes. I found this interesting and was excited by the opportunities it would open up for me. In my Masters’s year, I studied project management and found that I enjoyed the process, from scoping to designing, manufacturing to testing, and commissioning. So I knew once I finished Uni that I wanted to work in projects.

How did you begin your career?

When I finished university, I got a job as a factory First Level Manager (FLM) managing operators. The role wasn’t for me, but I learnt a lot from my time at my previous employer that I have been able to transfer into my current role. I interviewed for a role at pmC and haven’t looked back!

What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field?

To be a good project engineer, I think you have to be interested in everything. Every project that comes up will be about something different, and if you’re not already knowledgeable in that subject, then you will become knowledgeable! You have to scope out each project so you can define the specification that you are going to give to suppliers so that they can give you what you want in return. You have to be adaptable and curious about how things work. I find that the more projects I work on, the better I become at managing the next one.

What is the strangest request, hardest job, funniest moment or most satisfying job you have had or worked on at pm Connections?

Every project is different, so it’s difficult to pick something out, but the most satisfying part of my job is closing out a project and knowing that it has improved safety, efficiency, user experience, or productivity in the factory.

What hobbies/interests do you enjoy outside work?

I enjoy gardening and decorating, spending time with family and friends, and exploring the UK.