Heather Rowe – a journey to supply chain management at Incap UK
Heather Rowe’s career journey from the shop floor to becoming a Supply Chain Manager at Incap UK is a testament to dedication, adaptability, and continuous growth. Starting in December 1994 with a temporary agency position at Instem, Heather embarked on a remarkable trajectory within the company.
In December 1994, Heather’s journey began with a seasonal agency job, a mere 2.5 weeks before Christmas. She began her tenure on the shop floor, operating the crimping machine and mastering the art of wire crimping. Post-Christmas, Heather transitioned into the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) section and extended her assistance to the Stores department. Recognizing her potential and dedication, Instem offered Heather a permanent contract in the PCB section in December 1995.
Heather’s passion for growth and development propelled her into diverse roles within Instem. In 1997, she assumed the role of a work-place trainer, where she, along with a colleague, imparted essential skills to the factory staff in IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) standards. This showcased her leadership abilities and her knack for effective training methodologies.
In 1999, a promising opportunity arose for Heather to temporarily transition into the Purchasing department, expediting orders and assisting in production meetings. Quickly establishing her foothold in this domain, Heather excelled as an expeditor, tackling shortages and effectively managing procurement. Her role eventually evolved into that of a Buyer.
The landscape shifted when AWS acquired Instem. Heather embraced the shift and found herself immersed in a new facet of the company—the New Product Introduction (NPI) section. Her responsibilities included managing all procurement activities for this division. Heather further honed her skills in the quotes team, gaining valuable insights and experience.
Heather’s exceptional performance and extensive experience culminated in her promotion to Senior Buyer in 2013. Demonstrating consistent dedication and exceptional capabilities, she was further promoted to the role of Supply Chain Manager in 2015. In this capacity, she took on the responsibility of overseeing operations in both the UK and Slovakia.
As Incap’s business units evolved and gained autonomy, Heather’s leadership became pivotal. She now spearheads the UK Purchasing Team, showcasing her expertise in supply chain management, procurement, and her ability to lead a team effectively.
Heather Rowe’s career trajectory is a shining example of perseverance, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. From humble beginnings on the shop floor to leading a crucial segment of a multinational corporation, Heather’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring professionals in the field of supply chain management. Her story emphasises the importance of grabbing opportunities, continuous learning, and unwavering dedication to one’s craft.
