Heather Sansom

Heather Sansom – Technical Services Manager

Before joining Bakkavor in 2001 I worked as a Process Development Technologist for another rnajor chilled foods manufacturer. I moved to Bakkavor as the company had a great reputation as a good business to work for and the role of Process Development Technologist in the NPD Department offered me a chance to work in concept as well as process development.

Since joining Bakkavor I have had the opportunity to progress through various roles including becoming a Senior Food Technologist, taking up a technical short-term secondment at a different site, becoming a Process Development Manager and then a Technical Manager before being promoted to my current role as Technical Services Manager.

These opportunities have enabled me to develop and broaden my technical knowledge, run my own department and build a strong relationship with one of our key retailer customers. As a result I was nominated for the retailer’s Technical Manager of the Year in 2009 and was awarded runner up. I love the role I am doing as no two days are the same and it is rewarding to see the results of changes that I have implemented, knowing that I have had a positive effect in developing the business technically.

To work in Technical at Bakkavor you have to have a logical approach, be flexible, and have a calm manner and the ability to work under pressure.  It is also important to be a good communicator as you are interacting with all levels within the factory environment as well as customers. Finally, you need the determination to succeed no matter what!