The organisation king who oversees all project activity with a steely determination to deliver top results.
Name: Conor Barwise
Role: Operations Director
Years with Guardtech: 15
Right then, Conor, why don鈥檛 you tell us a little bit about yourself?
鈥淚 was born in Liverpool, raised in Derry, and I鈥檇 like to think I can be similar to the river Mersey or Foyle. I often appear calm, but both have a tidal flow and therefore can be a turbulent force of nature. I give my everything to any task, whether in work or at home.
“If I鈥檓 not throwing myself into a project at work, I鈥檓 tackling a DIY project or coming third in the world in Fantasy Premier League (used up all my Irish luck in that one鈥�). I am blessed with a beautiful and loving family who keep me on my toes, but also offer the rare and much-needed moments of peace.鈥�
What does your role as operations director entail?
鈥淚 oversee all project activity, often taking a lead role in managing our more critical and complex projects. I am responsible for the management of our human resources (HR), health and safety and quality systems. I will also sometimes be involved in early design and commercial stages as required.鈥�
What do you love about your job?
鈥淭he variety. No single day is ever the same and it’s never mundane. The industries we work with, the challenges we face, the ever-increasing opportunities in an evolving world. It all adds up to an interesting journey every time I open the laptop, answer the phone or get in the car.鈥�
What鈥檚 the most challenging thing about being an operations director?
鈥淧ersonally, I struggle with delegation and 鈥榣etting go.鈥� I often hold on to ownership of many projects and tasks with the hope and intention that I can lead by example. However, I should often accept that it鈥檚 better to reassign certain tasks to enable others to maximise their potential.鈥�
How would you describe Guardtech Cleanrooms to someone who knows nothing about the business?
鈥淎 team of approachable, hardworking and flexible problem solvers. Guardtech has been, and always will be, client-focused and go the extra mile to achieve a common goal.鈥�
And finally, if you were a piece of laboratory furniture or equipment, what would you be? And why?
鈥淎 balance table. I absorb the shocks and vibrations from projects and provide the stability and control the team needs to succeed.鈥�
