MY ALARM GOES OFF AT…
It’s either 5:30 am if I’m heading to the office in Leeds, or 6:30 am if I’m working from home.
THE FIRST THING I DO IS…
Have a much-needed coffee.
I PREPARE FOR THE DAY AHEAD BY…
Spending quality time with my children before school. It’s important to me to have that family time to switch off before I check in with the office, emails, and the day’s priorities.
I CAN’T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT…
My phone and keys, naturally!
MY TYPICAL DAY…
It genuinely sounds like a cliché, but no two days are the same at MechTronic – and that’s why I enjoy my role. As Head of Operations, my responsibilities are broad – covering service, sales, purchasing, and production. This means priorities can change quickly, often driven by seasonal shifts in the industry or sudden technical demands.
I typically begin the day by conducting a thorough review of the previous day’s service jobs. Checking that every customer request was completed to our high standard, and that any potential issues were fully resolved. Following that, a critical part of my morning is the check-in with the team to see what’s scheduled and address anything that needs immediate attention. Our collaborative culture means we tackle problems quickly and collectively.
I run a regular planning report to forecast demand for the innovative products we’re building, ensuring we always have the right parts available. The rest of my day is spent talking to our customers, ensuring their needs are met, and supporting our amazing team who make it all happen.
MY MOST MEMORABLE WORK MOMENT…
Without question, it was in 2020, when the Wilkie family, alongside our Technical Director, Simon Haigh, successfully completed the management buyout. That moment was about far more than just a business transaction; it was about securing the future and solidifying MechTronic’s identity as a strong family business.
To operate under that umbrella of family values – trust, long-term commitment, and mutual respect – is a source of immense pride. The passion, drive, and stability that the family ownership brings flow through the entire business. However, it’s vital to stress that the MechTronic team is part of that wider family. Every single person in the company contributes to our shared success and innovation, and it is a genuinely fantastic, collaborative place to work. To stand alongside my family and watch this amazing team grow and thrive is truly rewarding.
THE WORST PART OF MY JOB…
Genuinely, I don’t have a worst part. I feel very fortunate in my role. I work with amazing people every day, and because we operate as a family business, there’s an inherent level of motivation and passion that is self-sustaining. We are in such a fast-paced, forward-thinking industry that there’s simply no time to dwell on minor setbacks; we move forward and innovate.
THE BEST PART OF MY JOB…
Seeing the team come together is the absolute best part. We have worked hard to foster a healthy, positive company culture, and when you see that collaboration translating into exceptional service, it’s highly rewarding. Receiving positive feedback from our customers – particularly when they go out of their way to praise a specific member of the team – is what motivates us all.
Knowing that the team is happy, engaged, and performing at the highest level makes this the best job in the industry.
I RELAX AFTER WORK BY…
Family and friends are incredibly important to me. I love stepping away from operations to enjoy watching my kids play football and compete in various dance shows. It provides that essential distance and allows me to recharge completely.
MY FAVOURITE MEAL IS (Breakfast, lunch, or evening meal)…
I love a good Indian meal – my favourite has to be a chicken bhuna!
ON MY BEDSIDE TABLE IS…
Charger, phone, and a bottle of water. Nothing too exciting!
THE LAST THING I DO EACH DAY IS…
Say goodnight to my wife.
I’M NORMALLY IN BED BY…
11:00 pm.
Image credit: Chris Wilkie, Mechtronic
