Manufacturing profile: Paul Wilkinson

Paul Wilkinson, Day Support Operations Manager at our Continuous Casting (Concast) plant

Paul Wilkinson is Day Support Operations Manager at our Concast (Continuous Casting) plant. He first joined us in 2006, left in 2016 but quickly returned in 2018. Find out more...

What was your previous experience before joining British Steel?

My previous work included:

  • HM Forces, 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment, 1995 - 2002
  • Ductile Castings Foundry, 2002 – 2006
  • Corus / Tata Steel / British Steel, 2006 – 2016
  • Siemens, 2017
  • British Steel, 2018 – present

How much time have you spent with the business?

In its various guises, I’ve worked for British Steel from 2006 to 2016 and then from 2018 to present.

What knowledge do you bring to the business?

I have 11 years’ casting experience on all casters, where I started as a production operative and progress to Shift Manager. I also have great people management and leadership skills.

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years’ time within British Steel?

To be the best person I can be and to keep progressing as high as I possibly can.

Why did you chose to apply for a job at British Steel?

My family has a proud tradition within the Scunthorpe steel industry – I want to continue this and be proud myself.

I want to pass my knowledge and experience onto my fellow colleagues about the challenges of working outside of the steelworks. Hopefully I can educate them and tell them how lucky they are to have such a great job. 

What does your day-to-day role involve?

As Day Operations Manager at Concast, my role covers the following on a day-to-day basis:

  • Supporting the Shift Operations Manager with manning, permits etc. Engaging with the shift operators and getting improvement ideas from them. Keeping morale as high as possible
  • Supporting the Area Manufacturing Managers with proactive or reactive works that may arise
  • Contract support:
    • daily conversations on cleaning, machinery, additional works etc and permit checks to make sure everyone’s safe
    • daily checks of the 2 scrap recovery areas
    • daily checks with supplier Minteq to make sure we have sufficient dishes to cast in
  • Attending various daily management meetings

What advice would you give to others considering a career at British Steel?

Enjoy it! It’s a well-paid job with great benefits. Get stuck in and be the best person you can be.