Fibre Specialist, Paper & Packaging
Rob Tilsley
Joined
Sep 2004
Rob started at James Cropper in 2004 as a process operator. After three years he then started his sales journey as an Inside Sales Executive. Following 15 years in a variety of roles in sales, he was offered the position of an account manager, which led onto UK Sales Manager and then having overall responsibility for our private label and mill collection business.
During a transformational period for the company, Rob was then offered a complete change moving into a more operations focused role as our Fibre Specialist, overseeing the fibre we use on site. This covers both virgin and recovered fibres, which is a key strategic priority programme.
JS
Tell us about a typical day in your role at James Cropper
RT
Sounds a bit of a cliché but everyday is different! Most days are working with other departments throughout the business to ensure uninterrupted supply chains, identifying potential new fibres, organising the testing of new fibres, supplier calls/visits, and providing forecasts etc.
JS
During your career at James Cropper, what has been your most memorable highlight?
RT
There are many and for different reasons! From the sales side, very much growing or delivering business that is strategic and seeing accounts become longstanding partners. From a fibre side of things, identifying new fibres and then introducing them to the business and helping to set up the supply chain.
JS
What work are you particularly proud of at James Cropper?
RT
Our CupCycling programme. Being the worlds first recycling process dedicated to upcycling takeaway drinks cups, this helped us develop partnerships in key sectors and sell to key partners in each sector. After being successful in selling our CupCycling products, I now have responsibility for growing the amount of cups that are recycled in our facility.
JS
Which three things would you take to a desert island?
RT
My daughter, gym kit/equipment and pic n mix!
JS
What’s your guilty pleasure?
RT
Pic n Mix sweets!
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