Name: Lynn Caskey

Job Title: Senior Business Project Manager

Department: Business Projects 

What is your educational background?

I have a Science degree from the University of Ulster in Coleraine.

What is your career background?

Following a science degree I joined the Validation team within Almac.  After 6 years in the Validation role, I moved to the Business Project team because I saw that group at the forefront of all the exciting new developments in the company. I manage the projects that develop new and improved services to move Clinical Services forward in the industry and to meet ever increasing customer expectations. I get to manage a variety of project types – engineering, facilities, IT and process development.

Describe a typical day in your role.

I’m glad to say there is nothing typical about a working day with Business Projects.  I manage multiple projects all at different stages, so one hour I could be meeting with users to understand requirements, and the next I could be reporting status to the executive team.  As I’m ultimately responsible for delivering my projects I’m empowered to manage the project activities as I see fit to ensure the project is a success.  I also get to see the direct results of all of my efforts.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love the variety and the acknowledgement that the team is shaping the future of Clinical Services. I get the chance to work with so many Almac people across the sites globally and I learn something new on every project.  The Business Project team is a close knit group and there’s no problem we can’t solve together.

How does your role challenge you?

As happens on many projects, despite detailed planning and preparation, there will always be something unexpected to deal with. However that’s one of the challenges and there’s a great buzz with resolving the issue with the team and getting the project back on track.

What type of other skills are required for your role?

A comprehensive training program is followed for new additions to the team, incorporating a mix of formal procedural and ‘on the job’ type training. This is further backed up by on-going mentoring and coaching by more experienced members of the team and line management.

I would say you need a methodical approach, having pride in achievements, and a ‘can do’ attitude. Going the extra mile to ensure your project is a success is something I see in all good project managers

What type of opportunities are available to you in your role?

People tend to assume that our projects deal with drugs and chemicals – however they are surprised when they hear that our projects cover so many different areas. It’s more likely to be an IT, engineering or business optimisation project than something in a lab!

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in Business Project Management?

Don’t worry about qualifications or entering an industry that’s new for you - think about the personal attributes you need for the role, and if you have the drive to ‘make things happen’ then project management could be for you!