Paul C.
About me
| Paul C. | |
| Chemistry | |
| Chemistry, Resources and the Environment | |
| Research Postgraduate | |
| Langwith | |
| 1993 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Technical Director, Europe and Global Food Coatings | |
| Sherwin Williams | |
| France |
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A day in the life of a Technical Director, Europe and Global Food Coatings in France
Many technical aspects of work can be taught, but without good communication this will inhibit your career progress.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I work for Sherwin Williams, which is currently the largest Coatings Company in the world. I am in the Packaging Coatings Division, which produces coatings for the inside and outside of rigid metal packaging, such as Food and Beverage cans.
What do you do?
I am a Technical Director in the company, responsible for all the technical activity in the Europe region. Additionally responsible for Global R&D activity within the coatings for Food Cans segment.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I joined Coates Coatings directly after my D Phil in Chemistry at York. I have since survived two acquisitions, so in effect I have 26 years service in the same company.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I was not sure what sector I would end up in, other than I wanted it to be a Technical activity in an Industrial Company. In that sense, I am working in the area I anticipated.
Describe your most memorable day at work
Well I met my wife when she was a work colleague, so I guess there is nothing more significant than that.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Each and every day, and learning experiences associated with them too...even after 26 years.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
Since the acquisition by Sherwin Willaims almost 3 years ago (I came from the Valspar Corporation), very positive, supportive and people orientated.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I captained the University 1st XI at cricket for several years and am still in daily contact with several friends from the club at that time. The responsibility somewhat helped me to develop leadership skills, but I have needed to work hard at that since too.
What would you like to do next with your career?
Remain with Sherwin Williams, but relocate to the US. I have been located in the UK, Switzerland, Singapore and France, and would like to work in the US before retiring.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Focus on being an effective, open communicator. Many technical aspects of work can be taught, but without good communication this will inhibit your career progress. Additionally, never think that you know it all.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Managing teams remotely, managing in different cultures, experience of setting up R&D Projects and Programs internationally, working with Customers, Quality topics (part of my experience has been in Quality Assurance)....
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