Caroline – Production Supervisor

Why Chemistry?

 

Bayer has been present in my life from very early on. Both my father and uncle worked at Bayer. For holiday work as well, Bayer was able to tempt me into working in their laboratory to gain experience there. Ultimately, this affinity with Bayer certainly had a considerable influence in my decision to study science in secondary school, and to subsequently begin my studies for the degree of Industrial Engineer in Chemistry - Process Technology.

 

After completing my thesis on the hydramine DeNOx installation at Bayer, I made a spontaneous application at the company. As it happened, Bayer was looking for the replacement of a Production Supervisor who would be retiring soon. After a few interviews and an assessment, I was selected out of four candidates to start as Junior Production Supervisor.

 

I was not ‘thrown’ into the job, but had the time to grow into this position via a clearly defined learning path. So I did shift work for one and half to two years: first in a position as Lab Assistant, then as external Process Operator and Operator in the control room, and finally, I focused on the work planning and assumed the role of Shift Supervisor. For six years now, I have fully assumed the role of Production Supervisor, where I and a fellow Supervisor and the Plant Manager are responsible for the complete management of the production installation for BPA.

 

At Bayer, your work is evaluated in a structured manner via the Performance Management Process. You get regular feedback on the performance of your task, and you can discuss your expectations regarding your career or training. In addition, Bayer offers an extensive range of training programmes to which one can register, or supports training initiatives which can improve the way you perform your tasks.

 

Women & their Careers

 

The environment in which I work is basically an all-male affair; I am the only woman in the production installation. During school visits, when I ask who would like to do a job like mine after his/her studies, it strikes me how few girls feel attracted to such a job. Nevertheless, I myself consciously chose this job. I get satisfaction in being able to maintain control over a complex environment. Furthermore, I can draw on my problem-solving abilities to solve the variety of problems which are typical of the supervision of a production installation. The fact that, during the initial learning period, I worked alongside the men who now report to me, has certainly helped me to win their trust.

 

The combination with motherhood is manageable, but just as in the case of so many women with a responsible position, this is possible if I have some help in caring for our child. However, some amount of flexibility is required from a Supervisor. The planned activities sometimes last longer than expected, as a result of which the original planning is overrun and you are home later than planned in your schedule. One can even be called in during the weekend, though these calls can often be solved remotely.

 

A day in the life of...

 

The production installation for which I am jointly responsible makes bisphenol A (BPA). This substance is a raw material for the manufacture of Makrolon®, which is used to manufacture CDs, the interior finishing of cars, materials for making solariums, etc. For the position of Supervisor, you must have knowledge of the entire production process and be able to turn your hand to anything. However, you are not alone but work together with the Plant Manager - to whom you directly report – as well as your colleagues from the technical service and a fellow Supervisor.

 

For the production of BPA, you have to deal with all facets of chemical technology. Many chemical processes, therefore, which give you insight in how to steer the production process, taking into consideration the effect on quality, quantity, safety, energy consumption, as well as the impact on the environment.

 

Your organisational talents are also required for co-ordinating all of the current processes: from the preparation involved in changing or installing (sub)components of the production installation in cooperation with the technical service, managing the logistics of raw materials and end products, specific projects, ... not to mention the organisation of the shifts. In addition to that, it is always important that your decisions are such that, in achieving good end products, there is as little loss of raw materials or as much recycling of waste as possible. Moreover, you are working with people, all of whom need to be approached differently.

 

Finally, the role of Supervisor means that you cannot be afraid to take decisions which possibly have consequences for the health and safety of the employees. Being able to handle stress is also an important skill for doing your job properly. In case of a crash, you must make quick and accurate decisions which have an effect on the work and safety of your staff.