Graham Richardson - Automotive Engineering Contracts Manager working within our Automotive Division
I started my career as an Apprentice Motor Fitter at SYPTE in September 1985 as a fresh faced 16-year-old. During my 11 years there I completed an indentured apprenticeship and gained a HNC qualification in motor vehicle management.
I moved from there to be an Engineering Manager for a coach company and managed two fleets, one in Rotherham, the other in Southampton. I joined Unitec/Optare as a technician and after a year I was promoted to the role of Regional Service Manager looking after customers, field service engineers, technical training and warranty issues. During my last 4 years I also ran the Rotherham and Manchester aftersales workshops as well as looking after the Yorkshire region customers.
After almost 15 years I joined Powertrain ZF as a Customer Service Manager/Business Development Manager. This role encompassed technical training for customers as well as developing sales and contracts.
A year later I joined EPM as Technical Manager looking after customers and a team of around 60 Contract Engineers. This was my first role looking after contractors.
I joined Venatu two and a half years ago, to look after the contractors working PSV and truck. The role has expanded into assisting with perm recruitment for Contract Engineers, but the main focus is growing the Contractors we have to support and provide technical support to our Engineers and customers.
I work with an amazing team in Automotive; between us we all manage accounts, recruit Contractors and permanent Technicians, Supervisors and Managers. We work closely with our Driving Team to share leads and potential joint work. I like to think with 38 years of industry knowledge in repair, manufacture, and operation of vehicles, I add a different dynamic to our team and something that none of our competition have. Since joining the Venatu family we have grown as a Division and become a close-knit group who look after each other, our Engineers and our customers with dedication and honesty. You couldn’t work for a better team!