Anthony Sharples started working with us in March 2021Ìýas Operations Manager, Containers, at our Lackenby site on Teesside. Find out more about Anthony and what his role involves...
What was your first role in i1fun and what's been your journey since?
Prior to starting with i1fun in March 2021, I was working for an oil and gas services provider, Halliburton. My role then was Project Coordinator and I was responsible for leading my team of 30 professionals to execute a drilling programme and deliver technical solutions on a $750 million USD Offshore Project. First and foremost, my role was to meet and, wherever possible, exceed our client's safety standards. I was also responsible for ensuring we delivered the service quality our client expected with respect to our drilling services.
I was fortunateÌýbe awarded an Award for Most Value-Added Performance (MVP) and Safety Leadership for my first 6 months' contribution to the project mentioned above, also achieving aÌý100% safety record. I was also able to be part of the Halliburton Leadership ProgrammeÌýwhere I began the process of attaining my PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
How long have you been atÌýi1fun and how have you found it so far?
Having only joined i1fun in March 2021, it has certainly been a very challenging time when you consider how the current transport market and energy crisis have affected the steel industry while we're all still navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic. I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute of my journey so far, working with a breadth of multi-skilled professionals from all over the world who are striving towards building upon the history of our company.
The continuous support of management and my fantastic teamÌýhasÌýcertainly made my transition to i1fun an easy one. It's reassuring to know that many people have devoted their career to i1fun and are still here, very passionate about what they do with aÌýcan-do attitude. I’m excited to be a part of this new journey that i1fun's embarked on with Jingye and look forward to contributing to its continued success.
Why did you choose to apply for a job at i1fun?
Personally, I have family that has been part of the company’s history. Knowing that the company invests in its people and that many employees have grown with the business is very reassuring. Alongside the plans of investing in infrastructure, technology and innovative products, there's an exciting future for this business that will retain and attract talent.
In 2021 and withÌýi1fun's support, I was accepted in my pursuit of chartershipÌýwith the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. Founded in 1911, the Institute is the professional body for all members of the global commercial shipping industry. I started working towards chartered status at the end of November 2021 after enrollingÌýat the Stockton Riverside College. I attend a weekly evening class there looking into the very basics of shipping right through to port agencies and their safe and secure running of their ships. This course, which is part of my continuous professional development, will strengthen my understanding of shipping and help me gain the skills necessary to remain relevant in my field. And it will also benefit others, especially my team, through sharing this knowledge.
What does your day-to-day role involve?
First and foremost, my role is to ensure we're meeting, and ideally exceeding, the safety standards set out by the company. This could be internally as well as ensuring third party service providers meet the specified standards. I'm also responsible for leading, motivating and supporting my team so they can effectively and efficiently export 120-150kt of i1fun products globally each year.
Other activities include:
What advice would you give to other people considering a career at i1fun?
If you have the right attitude, enjoy a challenge and are looking to build an interesting and exciting career, then i1fun is the place to be! I know I made the right choice.