Blog » Sean Canavan

Sean Canavan

28th June 2013

Role: Group Packaging Operations Manager

Company: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd

Track Record:

What’s your job?

Group Packaging Operations Manager for Norbrook Laboratories Ltd

How did you get there?

I’ve worked in Norbrook for 17 years and have progressed my career within the company.

I started out on the packaging lines for 12 months, moved up to become a Logistics Supervisor and then Operational Team Leader.

I was promoted to Packaging Manager and most recently to my current role of Group Packaging Operations Manager.

It is one of the real benefits of working for Norbrook – there are great opportunities to develop a long-term career within the company.

Do you have a typical working day? Describe a typical working day.

There is no “typical” in a typical working day in Norbrook.

I can be working on large scale projects as well as dealing with any day to day issues that arise within the department and ensuring that company procedures and targets are met on a daily basis.

For example when I was promoted to Group Packaging Manager I was responsible for the amalgamation of three separate packaging locations into one at our new Carnbane facility whilst managing the day-to-day packaging requirements of our customers.

What qualifications do you have?

When I joined Norbrook, I had an HND in Computer Studies but during my time with the company I have enjoyed a raft of training courses and professional development which has led me to the position I now currently hold.

What other skills do you need in your role?

The ability to listen and communicate well with others. Working within a multi-national company, I have to deal with customers and colleagues from around the world. Good communication skills are a must!

What’s the best thing about your job?

There are two best things – no 2 days are ever the same and the people I work with – they really are the best!.

And the worst?

Not enough days in the week.

What do you think are the greatest challenges/pressures of the job?

Trying to keep everyone happy!

The pace at which Norbrook is growing is phenomenal so it is a challenge to keep up with the demands from customers and colleagues and when you add the international dimension to the mix, it really is a challenge to keep everyone happy!

But I think I manage it …most of the time!

What are the greatest rewards?

The greatest rewards are working for such a large innovative and expanding company which has a world wide customer base and achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

On a local level, having a happy workforce is very important to me.

What did you want to be when you were at school?

I always wanted to be a school teacher but I did end up marrying one.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in your profession/industry?

Working within the pharmaceutical industry gives you an insight into so many other areas from Microbiology to Research & Development to Distribution and Warehousing. Learn something new every day and look upon it as a long-term career where the opportunities really are endless.

What’s the most common question people ask when they find out what you do?

How did you get that job?

How do you like to relax outside work?

I love to spend time with my wife and 3 children. I have taken up participating in Triathlons since I stopped playing football.

Who has inspired you most in your life?

My mother has been my greatest inspiration but my Grandmother Ruth has had a huge influence through the years and gave me my first job in a successful textile company.

Her most famous saying is “There’s nothing bad that can’t be worse.”

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