ICI

Pete Wright
MEng, Chemical Engineering with Management, University of Birmingham, 2004
Joined ICI Paints:2004
Currently a Projects Manager in ICI Packaging & Coatings Business

What were your first impressions of ICI? What influenced you to join?
There were two reasons really. Firstly, I wanted a scheme that was more diverse than a standard engineering training scheme. I wanted to learn how to become a business manager as well as an engineer. Secondly, my interviewers kept asking me how flexible I was with travel - I picked up good vibes that I wasn't going to be sitting around!

What have you done so far?
In July last year I completed my two year graduate scheme and started my first full time role. During my two years on the scheme, I spent time in Birmingham, Dusseldorf and Slough in a variety of placements including process optimization, commissioning, logistics, maintenance, finance and shift management. The variety of roles that I undertook has given me a broad platform on which to build my career in ICI and has allowed me to see many different functions and parts of the business. It has also helped me to build up a network of contacts that have proved very useful in those "need to phone a friend" moments!

What is your role at ICI?
My current role is Engineering Projects Manager at the Birmingham site. I am responsible for managing every aspect of large capital expenditure projects to help reduce costs, increase capacity or improve safety. As a chemical engineer this has proved really challenging as I am responsible for overseeing not only the chemical engineering but also the mechanical, civil, and electrical work. It has been a steep learning curve but I get a real buzz out of seeing the new installations around the site and the positive impact they have on plant operations and the people who work on it.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
The best thing about being in operations is that you get to communicate with people in all functions of the business. Listening to them has provided the most significant part of my training so far.

What are your interests away from work?
Most of my spare time is spent playing rugby and studying for an MBA at Aston Business School. I also love traveling and improving my language skills, particularly German.

What's next?
Ultimately I'm looking to move into Operations Management where you end up managing two elements; people and numbers. Studying for an MBA will help my understanding of numbers, but learning how to manage people isn't quite so easy! Therefore for my next position I'm looking for something which will develop my people management skills such as a Production Management role.