V-SMART June 2018

6 SECOND INTERVIEW

In the Valeo Technical department we don’t want to just put a face to a name, we want to let you know about the real people you speak to on a daily basis and who are dedicated in bringing you the best possible service. In our first 60 second interview we have a chat to Stephen Knight our Technical Manager … So how long have you worked at Valeo?

What is a typical day at work like? I can honestly and happily say that I do not have what you would call a “typical day”. The Technical team is linked to a larger network that includes Quality, Warranty, TechCare and Technical. I spread myself across these four areas on a daily basis and each day bringssomething new.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?

I think I have just answered it. Valeo Service UK wants to be one of the best suppliers in the UK aftermarket. In order to aid in this I try and spread my skills across many areas in order to support customers as best as I can. With many areas come many challenges.

Wow! It’s been pretty much all of my working life. I finished college at 18 and a month later I joined Valeo so it has been 12 years now.

What is your favourite piece of Valeo Technology?

What did you want to do when you were at school?

That’s tough. Valeo have so much great technology atboth OE and Aftermarket level. As I work in the Aftermarket sector I guess I’ll go with some technology that started out as Aftermarket but is now used at OE level too. The Valeo clutch conversion kit. It’s been in production since 2002, is incredibly high quality and offers a fantastic alternative to a dual mass flywheel system. What things do you wish you’d known before starting your career? You don’t have to be near the top of the tree to make a difference. For several years I kept good ideas locked away because I assumed the people in the top positions with the best salaries are the only people that could make a difference to a business. I’d encourage anybody to be the first person to put your hand up and share any idea you have in any situation.

Ask any 10 year old what they want to be when they were older and the majority will tell you “a footballer”. I was no different. It was strange, I have always had an affinity with motor vehicles. My granddad was a mechanic and my dad worked for Land Rover and the pair were always taking a car apart in the garage. My friends at school spent their time either building computers and/or were talking about cars. It wasn’t until later in life that the wonderful world of the automotive industry sucked me in. To get my foot in the door at Valeo I started out as an apprentice in the Customer Service department. This gave me a fantastic opportunity to improve on personal development, improve my communication skills and work on my product knowledge, whilst remaining patient waiting for a job that would allow me to work more closely with the parts. That’s where I really wanted to be, handling and talking about the technology that Valeo have to offer. When the chance came I seized it with both hands and slowly worked my way up until I could implement my own ideas and tools for both Valeo and our customers. What made you want to pursue your current role?

What do you do in your down time outside of work?

I’m married and have two beautiful little daughters aged 7 and 2 so they like to keep me on my toes when I’m outside of work. When I’m not spending time with them I act as a midfield enforcer for my local Sunday football team. I would

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