AI Global Media Operations manager, Sean Wilkins, recently celebrated his 10-year milestone with AI Global Media! Sean joined AI Global Media team back in 2014 within the credit control department providing maternity cover. During his time at AI, Sean has worked in a number of areas of the business and has managed a variety of key projects. Sean was promoted to the Finance Manager and then to Operations Manager in 2017, later combining the two roles. Recently, Sean has added the production team to his managerial duties, bringing increased efficiencies and customer experience improvements to the department. Thank you for your commitment and hard work Sean!
Below, we asked Sean a few questions to learn more about him, his role, and his time at AI Global Media.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to join AI Global Media?
My main career prior to AI Global Media was in accounts as a purchase ledger clerk for companies such as Holland and Barrett and Trent and Dove housing. I decided I wanted a career change and came for an interview as a sales rep at AI Global. During the interview I was advised that they had a job more suited to my background and offered me the job in accounts. It wasn’t an easy choice with wanting a change but really pleased I took the job.
Q. What is your current role and what are your main responsibilities?
I have a very varied role. I am the Operations manager, dealing with the day to day running of the office, maintenance, supplies and Health and Safety. Accounts manager, leading our credit control team to collect the revenue for the bookings we take in the magazines and finally the Production team manager, overseeing the team who deal directly with the customers to produce the high quality items and the shipping aspects of the company.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at AI Global Media?
What I enjoy most is how varied each day is. Having a hand in many departments pulls me in different directions and ensures I always have a list of jobs to do. I always prefer to be busy.
Q: Can you share a few key achievements or projects you’re particularly proud of during your time here?
Taking on the production team with my other duties was a big challenge and learning curve. Self teaching myself all the design aspects and understanding where the improvements were needed while still handing the day to day was taxing. The department has shown massive improvements in efficiencies and workload which has lead it to have the best customer service time scales for some years. The company has also moved offices a couple of times and I have been responsible for planning the layout and seating for the company’s department’s as we grow. I enjoy the organisation aspect of planning and the outcome at the end.
Q: What are some common challenges you face in your role and how do you overcome them?
My main challenge is juggling my time between the teams, ensuring they receive the same attention while keeping them motivated at the same time. Having the right mixture, personable and professional interactions helps the team know that they can come to you with professional or personal issues that is affecting their day to day. Having regular check ins, gives the employees chance to raise issues but also receive praise and reassurance that they are doing a good job.
Q: How would you describe the team culture at AI Global Media?
It has always felt since I started, that AI Global Media and its directors have tried to make it “a 1 big team”. All the managers have risen up through the ranks and so share this outlook which spreads down to the team members. The work activities the company puts on through the year, clearly demonstrates the understanding that if you can enjoy where you work you will work hard for company. I gladly help with this by organising many events, sports days and quizzes.
Q: How does the company support your professional growth and development?
The company has always pushed me by giving opportunities. Opportunity to do new tasks, head projects and take on relative training where needed. My progression from credit controller to manager of multiple departments shows the trust the company has put in me to succeed.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time outside of work?
Over the last few years I have taken up crown green bowls. Since I stopped playing and coaching football, I needed a competitive sport that caused less harm to my body, and fell into bowls after it was recommended by a friend. I really enjoy the competitive side of the sport and joining a club, and meeting new people has filled the gap that football left behind. I also love to go to the cinema and spend time with my partner and son. Each year we try to visit a new country and experience new things.
Q: What has been your favourite part of working here for a decade, and what are you looking forward to in the future?
I have always enjoyed the variety the job brings, the company has changed and grown in many directions over the decade. I have been hands on throughout. This will not change and I look forward to what the future will bring for me and the company.
Q: What advice would you give to someone new joining the finance team AI Global Media?
Get involved. Learn as much as you can about the different departments and processes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and present ideas for improvements.
Q: What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success in a finance role?
A drive to succeed and hit targets will keep you coming back for more. Attention to detail is important and a “get it right first time” should always be in the forefront of your mind to make your life easier and ensure you are efficient in what you do.
