One-Minute Interviews

Let's talk with our wonderful people and explore their working life at Konecranes!

Karen Winfield, HR Director

Karen Winfield

What’s your job title?
Human Resources Director UK
How long have you been working for Konecranes?
Coming into my 22nd year of employment
Describe your role in one sentence?
Very difficult as there is so many elements to it, it’s all about people! It can be strategic one moment then hands on operational role the next.  It’s about focusing on what is right for the business and championing good working relationships.
What do you do on an average working day?
There is no average day in HR! no day is the same, it’s so varied and that’s what I love about it.
How did you get into your career?
I did a psychology degree, then I completed a number of post graduate courses: employment law, health, safety then environmental.  I went into HR in the public sector before moving very quickly into the private sector.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Konecranes?
Firstly, seeing people whom we have recruited into the business develop in their careers and being recognised in the Company for what talented individuals they are.
Have you been promoted since you joined Konecranes?
Yes, to HRD. 
Since joining Konecranes, what has been your proudest professional achievement to date?
This is a really difficult question! There really are too many to mention. I started at Morris then we were brought by Konecranes, when they were a small company of circa 3000 employees, so to see the company growing and being successful over the years has been absolutely fantastic. Hopefully in a small way I have contributed to this success. Finally keeping us as a UK company on the right side of employment law is a good achievement, I think!
What’s the one piece of advice would you could offer to someone new, joining your department?
Be curious and ask questions about the business, don’t feel afraid to challenge things you don’t think are right
Finally, what’s the best thing you like about working at Konecranes?
The culture, the people and our values “Trust in People” is one I am very happy to believe in and shout about.

 

Bob Street, Modernisation Manager

Bob StreetWhat’s your job title?
Modernisation Manager
How long have you been working for Konecranes?
29 years
Describe your role in one sentence?
Giving technical, commercial and sales supports to the branches and sales teams, so that crane performance and safety can be advanced by Konecranes.
What do you do on an average working day?
Managing a team of project and delivery engineers so that crane modernisations can be performed safely, within engineering standards and profitably  
How did you get into your career?
As a graduate Mechanical Engineer, I joined a graduate training program with a lifting equipment company in 1990. This company brought by Kone in 1991. Kone then sold off the crane division Konecranes in 1994. During the 90’s I worked directly for Finland and spent 4.5 years working from the chain hoist factory in France. Returning to the UK in summer 2000 and have since worked in the service division when many positions including Development Engineer, Project Engineer and Manager, Branch Manager, Engineering Manager and now Modernisation Manager
What do you enjoy most about your role at Konecranes?
Seeing people progress from first starting with the company and after a few years having good technical abilities which will offer them a secure future employment for the rest of their working life.
Have you been promoted since you joined Konecranes? 
Yes, from Graduate Engineer to present position. 
Since joining Konecranes, what has been your proudest professional achievement to date?
Launching the XN chain hoist in Europe, Asia and America, I've been the person who trained our engineers and sales team on the product.  
What’s the one piece of advice would you could offer to someone new, joining your department?
Always get the safety and engineering right, the sales and profit will follow.
Finally, what’s the best thing you like about working at Konecranes?
The number of different industries we work in and hence no day or project is the same

Dave Butters, Service Manager

Dave ButtersWhat’s your job title?
Branch Manager
How long have you been working for Konecranes?
15 years
Describe your role in one sentence?
Challenging and diverse.
How did you get into your career?
Started as a crane technician for another company. Joined Konecranes in 2004 and never looked back.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Konecranes?
Meeting and integrating with people. Delivering solutions other companies can’t.
Have you been promoted since you joined Konecranes?
Yes, I started my career with Konecranes as an experienced Crane Service Technician. This lead for progression through the ranks and have held the positions of Service Supervisor, Service Manager and now Branch Manager. 
Since joining Konecranes, what has been your proudest professional achievement to date?
Building customers from a single contact to large-inclusive site agreements where we are fully integrated into their business.
What’s the one piece of advice would you could offer to someone new, joining your department?  
Having a good attitude is the stand out quality required to develop your skills and achieve your career goals.
Finally, what’s the best thing you like about working at Konecranes?
People, we have a great team.

Dan Harvey, Director, Sales & Operations - UK

Dan Harvey

Name:

Daniel Harvey

What’s your job title?

Director, Sales & Operations - UK

How long have you been working for Konecranes?

14 years

Describe your role in one sentence?

Orders, Sales and Growth for the business.

What do you do on an average working day?  

Sales management with the different sales units within Service business. This involves reviewing technical and commercial aspects of offers & on-going projects, forecasting & funnel management, and strategic planning for business development and growth.

How did you get into your career?

Apprenticeship with Konecranes.

What do you enjoy most about your role at Konecranes?

The people I work with.

Have you been promoted since you joined Konecranes?

Yes, my career with Konecranes started as an apprentice Service technician. After 6 years I took a role as an Electrical Project Engineer and after a further 2 years gained a promotion to Engineering Manager. In 2015, I was appointed to UK Product Sales Manager and in 2019 appointed Director for Sales & Operations for UK.

Since joining Konecranes, what has been your proudest professional achievement to date?

My proudest professional achievement personally was completing my BEng (Hons) Mechatronic Engineering degree with 1st class honours in 2016.

What’s the one piece of advice would you could offer to someone new, joining your department?

With the right attitude and dedication, Konecranes is a fantastic company to work for as opportunities arise that enable you to showcase your skills and develop professionally for a global market leader.

Finally, what’s the best thing you like about working at Konecranes?! 

Variety and new challenges each day, something I have found in every role I have worked in from technician through to management. This gives you that added motivation when waking up each morning.

Ntanil Makarenko, IT On-Site Supervisor

Ntanil MakarenkoWhat’s your job title?
IT On-Site Supervisor
How long have you been working for Konecranes?
11 months
Describe your role in one sentence?
Keeping people connected with IT.
What do you do on an average working day?  
IT Tickets and Projects.
How did you get into your career?
From young age I knew that there are a lot of opportunities in Information Technology
What do you enjoy most about your role at Konecranes?
Travelling and keeping everything up to date.
Have you been promoted since you joined Konecranes?
Yes, I started out as IT Onsite Support and then progressed to the Supervisor position.
Since joining Konecranes, what has been your proudest professional achievement to date?
Completing the most of UK/NL/BE/GR Windows 10 upgrades in 5 months period.
What’s the one piece of advice would you could offer to someone new, joining your department?
Think before acting.
Finally, what’s the best thing you like about working at Konecranes?
Everything! My colleagues, the people around me and my workplace environment.

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