Employee Profile
Name: Gherardo G.
Title: Technical Management Trainee
Career Area:
Engineering & Operations
Location: Castelmassa (RO), Italy
Education: Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Ph.D. , Chemistry – Catalytic Process Development
“I find the opportunity to expand and diversify my competencies in a global context extremely rewarding.”
Ethics and values in Cargill represent the basis to conduct business. We consider integrity, respect for the people and organization key skills to operate. Achievements are of course very important and necessary to ensure competitiveness of the company, but they must be reached in accordance with ethical standards (Cargill Guiding Principles); this makes us trustworthy to our customers and stakeholders. In this framework, innovation and formation of cross-functional teams to pioneering are really appreciated. The goal is to deliver personal footprint to the success and sustainable growth of the company on the basis of different knowledge and expertise of the people.
Describe your work responsibilities and the importance of your role.
As a member of Process Development Group (PDG), I am responsible for the process innovation in manufacturing department. My job is to propose and implement solutions, trials and projects aimed to improve the process in terms of performance, cost efficiency, safety and quality standards in accordance with operational necessities of the Production Team.
Describe your day-to-day activities and the skills needed to perform well.
One of the most interesting aspects of my job is that it is difficult to define a typical workday. This because, as mentioned above, the activity is strictly related to operational needs and innovation. Time can be spent of course in checking process parameters, troubleshooting and working in the projects, but also in interacting with the people from all the functional areas involved in modifications and improvements (Management of Change). Therefore, I consider flexibility enthusiasm, empathy, willing to explore and good communication skills, key factors to succeed.
Describe your career path. Where did you start and how did you get to where you are today?
The job switch from PhD / R&D work to Operations has been quite challenging for me, especially in the first months. It was necessary to change my mindset to get acquainted to new work environment. I was involved in the Technical Management Training (TMT), a specific 2 years learning and development program which gave me the opportunity to understand better the company, its vision and functional areas, participating at many trainings in different plants and BUs across Europe. This enriched my personal and technical background creating network with people from different countries, job functions and BUs.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I find extremely rewarding the opportunity to expand and diversify my competences in a global context. At Cargill, technical/university background is important, but it represents only a starting point to grow up as a person and as professional. In addition, since the first day, I felt the liberty to express myself and my knowledge, even working with other functional areas.
Why did you choose to join Cargill and what keeps you here? In other words, how has a career at Cargill helped you to thrive?
Approaching the end of my Ph.D., my purpose was to challenge myself and start a career in a multinational company to integrate my technical background with business competencies. In this sense, Cargill has been an excellent opportunity. Independently to the background, the company helps people to develop high business orientation.
What advice would you give someone interested in a career at Cargill like yours?
Cargill business and operations environment is really fascinating, but also highly challenging and dynamic. Therefore, I would recommend high flexibility and patience especially at the beginning in order to gain the necessary fundamentals to enjoy the job and the company subsequently.
Share an interesting tidbit about yourself such as hobbies, volunteerism, favorite foods or activities, accomplishments inside or outside of work.
In general, outside work, I like of course simple things in life such as spending time with my friends, playing tennis, going to the cinema and reading. However, my favorite activity is probably travelling.