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Richard joined Croda in 2003.
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2003
Joining Croda
I joined Croda in 2003 through the Graduate development programme as a process engineer. I was placed at Rawcliffe Bridge site where I have gained knowledge and experience of many of the technologies that Croda uses. From early on, I was given responsibility for tasks and projects which I found helped me develop quicker and learn the processes involved faster.
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2005
Process Engineer
I was taken on as a permanent engineer and during this time I handled small scale modifications and provided day-to-day support on engineering issues on plant. I also managed long term projects associated with the effluent treatment of the entire site and research on alternative technologies to reduce the energy usage and cost of final products. These all require financial, safety, health and environmental considerations.
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2007
Senior Process Engineer
I was responsible for large scale projects, leading project teams and supporting the junior engineers in the department. The projects helped improve the efficiency of the plant and address health and safety issues. As part of the graduate development programme, I have had several residential training days to improve my management skills both for managing others and also managing myself which helped me manage a junior engineer in this role. I also completed my NEBOSH certificate in safety during this time.
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2008
Lead Engineer
I decided to move from projects into plant support as I wanted to progress my career in operations and when an opportunity came in 2008, I became the engineer responsible for both of our major accident hazard plants on the Rawcliffe Bridge site. This role gave me more exposure to the day-to-day problems working with the technicians and optimising the process. During this time the company also funded my application to chartership which I successfully achieved in 2008.
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2010
Plant Manager
The plant support role gave me the experience I needed to progress to plant manager where I was responsible for the safe operation of a major accident plant and a team of technicians who operate the plant 24 hours a day. This was a sideways move to develop my knowledge of other disciplines and processes. The role was challenging with both reactive decision making and longer term planning involved.
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2013
Site Engineering Manager
The opportunity arose at the end of 2012 for me to move into a senior management role on the Ditton site where I was able to experience new processes and cultures and use all of the knowledge & experience I have gained to manage the engineering department. I now have the ultimate responsibility for engineering on site which includes implementing projects and modifications on site and providing maintenance support to the operations teams to ensure reliable processing.
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2016
Site Engineering Manager
I now have the ultimate responsibility for engineering on site which includes implementing standards, projects and modifications and providing maintenance support to the operations teams to ensure reliable processing.