Insider profil

Picture of Ash L

Ash L.

Product Quality Manager

Ask me a question
United Kingdom

Top Insider Advice

I have been working in the paint industry for nearly 15 years now and i have found the most helpful advice is asking questions whenever you see the need. Not only do other people sometimes offer valuable insights into the work you are doing but they can maybe change you view when previously you have been certain of next steps or priorities. There is very rarely any downsides to asking for help or advice and the reward can be great. This works both ways and I always welcome of questions in regarding to the work I have completed for own brand products. Some of the greatest changes I've made have started off with a simple question.

Read more advice

Career path

Product Quality Manager

Kingfisher Plc

Started 11/2020 to Present

Product Quality Engineer

Kingfisher Plc

From 09/2018 to 11/2020

Product Technologist

Kingfisher Plc

From 10/2017 to 08/2018

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

In relation to Kingfisher own brand products, we look at a range of different categories and are able to look at new and innovative formulations to move into the own brand delivery. We are able to create products that meet key needs of the customer and following the Kingfisher sustainable guidelines we have been able to make products better for people's wellbeing too. Its always rewarding to see your new product launch in stores and getting positive feedback from consumers. The process is generally complex however working with the internal teams is easy and everyone is either willing to lend a hand or point you in the correct direction when you have questions.

Greatest achievements

I was part of the Evalux paint brand launch in Brico Depot France and created the specifications for the paint products which later arrived in store. The products are of a good quality, and we spent a lot of time perfecting the formulations, so they were optimised for the market. The collaboration with different stakeholders was excellent and everyone involved was keen on making these the best products possible for the cost price. The reception of the product so far has been good to see. Projects like these are interesting and means we can create specifications specific to customer needs.

Other insiders

Dilantha M

Product Lead

Top Insider Advice

In order to build and create the best ranges and products, it all starts with a deep knowledge and understanding of what our customers are looking for and the job expected by the products. This everlasting thrive to understand how to provide the best solutions for our customers as well as good analysis skills will be the foundation of your success. Good relationship and communicating skills are also very important, as you will need to pitch and convince Banners that your products are both relevant and worthy of commitment. Finally, i believe that the love of the product is the most important feature sought after in a Product Lead. The ability to know what a product is made of, from components to material composition is what will enable you to brief as accurately as possible new products and create differentiation or cost optimization.

Karen B

Business Analysis Capability Manager

Top Insider Advice

Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you don't see coming. Be your own authentic self and if you see an opportunity which catches your eye - go for it! You have nothing to lose, and you could just end up in a great new environment where you're able to keep learning, inspiring and loving what you do.

Dominic W

Lead Engineer

Top Insider Advice

There isn't enough kindness in this world generally, but as a person that has to recruit is quite clearly obvious in most interviews when you are being your authentic self. As an engineer, you would often exclaim at the stereotypical management that you would hear about on the internet. As I grew into the position that you would hear stories around, and developing myself, I realised that all those are based on trying to second guess the answers that you think the interviewer would want to hear. Generally, I want to just find out about the person; approach an interview as an opportunity to show who you are, what you enjoy and what you are good at. Be open and honest with your answers and don't forget that an interview process is a two way process.

Discussions with Ash L
How do you ensure that junior employees contribute their ideas?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, October 18, 2022
1 response
20 views