How would you describe your job and role at Yokogawa?
I currently work as a Service Team Leader for Yokogawa UK. The main focus of my job is to manage customer relationships and a team of engineers. Prior to this role, I worked as a Service Engineer and a Network Solutions Engineer for Yokogawa UK and as a Proposals Engineer for Yokogawa Australia. I have acquired a lot of specialized knowledge and skills as I progressed through various roles within the company.  In my role I can create value within Yokogawa and customers by sharing knowledge with my colleagues and advising clients. 

What is the most remarkable thing you have done at Yokogawa so far?
The most remarkable event to happen to me is firstly moving from Yokogawa Australia to Yokogawa UK and then within 6 months, I was on a helicopter to an offshore oil rig. As a child I saw documentaries about oil rigs, and it looked exciting.  I thought maybe one day I could experience that. Since UK is a pioneer in oil & gas industry, while working at Yokogawa Australia I contacted Yokogawa UK and moved over. After arriving to the UK, within a few months I was asked to go offshore for a project. The first trip was very exciting, what an adventure!  The adrenaline kicks in, sitting in the helicopter going to a distant place over the sea and seeing a spot in the distance, then landing on the rig.
Not many people have the opportunity of such experience and I realize that this is quite special.  

Yokogawa values 'quality of life' for their employees. How do you experience that in real life?
Another reason for my move to the UK was to travel around Europe. Yokogawa allowed me to have the flexibility of working overtime and taking TOIL when needed for travelling. However, work/life quality at Yokogawa was really highlighted when my wife and I were expecting a baby; my team leader and manager were very supportive and allowed me the flexibility to take time-off for appointments etc.  Once, I was booked for offshore-work and my daughter fell sick the weekend before.  We don’t have any family in the UK that we could call upon for support.
I spoke to my team leader about it and he said my family comes first and if you can’t go offshore – then you can’t.  This made me feel at ease straight away.  For any new dad, it’s reassuring that such situations would not impact work.  Afterwards, the MD would ask me if I’m getting enough sleep. I feel the senior management team really understand the personal situations of their employees and are easy to approach.  

Why should talented people consider Yokogawa as a potential new employer?
Yokogawa is a world leader in industrial automation.  It’s a big company with a multi-national presence.  A technological firm which can provide opportunities to work in different sectors.  You can carve your career here if you really want it.  There are so many areas and opportunities available. What really differentiates Yokogawa from other companies are the people. I don’t just say this about the UK.  It is very similar in Australia as well. People were very approachable, very caring and like-minded throughout the whole organization.