Meet the Team – Neil Hill

1. How long have you worked for Oliver Wight?

Officially I joined Oliver Wight in 2017, but I’ve been working with them as a client since 1997. This has been with three different organisations, the last of which involved an Integrated Business Planning (IBP) roll out across a global organisation, with four principle divisions, operating in 25 countries, across 250+ sites. So, actually, it feels like I have been part of the team for much of my career.

2. What’s your background?

I’m a Manufacturing Engineer by trade, but my principle background is Supply Chain across many disciplines. I also read Commerce at university, which has driven a great interest in the commercial side of business and organisations.

I have worked in a number of different companies, covering the heavy industrial Engineering and Automotive sectors. I’ve held roles across many disciplines, including Production Engineering, Customer Quality, Production Management, New Product Introduction, Continuous Improvement (Lean and 6 Sigma Black Belt), ERP system implementation, Plant Management, Global Supply Chain, Global Enterprise Planning, MD&A, and General Management of a Global Business Unit.

3. What does your day-to-day job involve?

Working with great companies and people, across a broad spectrum of industries, to help them realise the benefits and advantages that are possible when you adopt a continuous improvement mindset and attitude.

4. What’s your favourite part of the job?

Never ceasing to be amazed by what people can achieve, given the right environment, support and motivation. It’s truly inspiring.

5. What’s your idea of a utopian workplace?

A place where people are valued, supported, and given an environment that allows them to flourish and really achieve greatness. People are the differentiator if we value them and invest in their development.

6. If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Logical, energetic, inquisitive.

7. What is your favourite saying?

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison.

And, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the second-best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb

8. What would people be surprised to know about you?

I took up skiing 5 years ago, after many years of wishing I had and was hooked within minutes, helping to create my life goal of “moving to the Italian Alps to live and work as a ski guide and instructor”.

9. What’s your biggest achievement? – Professional and/or personal

Professional – This would have to be a reflection on the number of people I have worked with and coached over the years, who have gone on to achieve great things. Their achievements bring energy and inspiration, but also their own personal drive to develop and motivate others.

Personal – I guess the most difficult, but most rewarding achievement, would be the creation of an environment where my THREE children have been able to grow and flourish, despite what life throws at them. They have, and will always keep my feet rooted to the ground and challenge me in so many ways to improve.