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A Day in the Life of Stephanie Bird: Service Engineering Manager at ABB Robotics 

Meet Stephanie Bird, a dedicated Service Engineering Manager at ABB Robotics. With nearly a decade of experience at ABB, Stephanie's journey from a contractor to a key managerial role is both inspiring and insightful. Let's dive into her day-to-day responsibilities, her career progression, and what keeps her motivated. 

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Stephanie Bird 

Engineering Service Manager
Robotics       
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
Daily Responsibilities 

As a Service Engineering Manager, Stephanie oversees a team of 18 field service engineers. Her role is incredibly varied, ensuring that no two days are the same. From people management and administration to health and safety, coaching career conversations and site visits, Stephanie's day is packed with diverse tasks. Currently, it's PDA season, which means a significant focus on performance development and career conversations with her team. 

Career Journey 

Stephanie's journey at ABB began in 2015 when she joined as a contractor to tackle a specific project on invoices. Her impressive performance led to a permanent position as a Service Administrator and over the years, she took on various projects and roles, eventually becoming the Service Engineering Manager. Despite the different job titles, her core responsibilities have remained focused on service operations and engineering management. 

What Keeps Stephanie at ABB? 

Stephanie's passion for her job stems from the daily challenges and the dynamic nature of her role. She thrives on the variety and enjoys working closely with her team of engineers. The supportive and collaborative environment at ABB, coupled with the opportunity to make a tangible impact, keeps her motivated. 

Support and Development 

ABB has been instrumental in Stephanie's career development. She participated in the Mentorship program, where she was paired with Jason Bennett, a mentor who provided invaluable support and guidance. Their relationship extended beyond the program, helping Stephanie navigate insecurities and difficult situations. Stephanie says "It was really valuable, Jason helped me through insecurities, doubt, and difficult situations".  

Additionally, Stephanie has benefited from ABB's leadership program, completing the first part already and planning to continue her learning in the future. These programs have equipped her with essential skills and knowledge, further enhancing her capabilities as a manager. 

Rob Breedon, Stephanie's line manager, has also been a significant influence in her career journey. His support and forward-thinking approach have been pivotal in steering Stephanie in this direction. Stephanie acknowledges that Rob's faith in her abilities and his leadership have played a crucial role in her professional growth. 

Key Projects and Achievements 

One of Stephanie's notable achievements was her involvement in the Field Service Lightning (FSL) project. This initiative transformed the service department from paper-based processes to electronic systems, including scheduling tools and electronic timesheets. Managing this significant change was challenging, particularly in dealing with people's reactions to change, but Stephanie successfully navigated these challenges and added substantial value to the business. 

Future Goals 

Stephanie's approach to her career is not about climbing the corporate ladder but about excelling in her current role and supporting her team. She is focused on improving herself to better support her team and is particularly excited about mentoring the next generation of engineers. "I'm really looking forward to helping them get through their degrees and achieve their goals," she says. 

Advice for Aspiring Professionals 

Reflecting on her career, Stephanie advises aspiring professionals to work hard and enjoy what they do. She emphasizes that a lack of formal qualifications should not be a barrier to success. "I didn't have any engineering background or qualifications before this, but it hasn't held me back from managing people who do," she notes. Stephanie's journey highlights the importance of dedication, adaptability, and the willingness to seize opportunities. 

Conclusion 

Stephanie Bird's career at ABB Robotics is a testament to her dedication, adaptability, and passion for her work. Her journey from an administrator to a Service Engineering Manager highlights the opportunities for growth and development at ABB. With her varied role, supportive environment, and continuous learning, Stephanie is well-equipped to lead her team and tackle the challenges that come her way. 

#EngineeredToOutrun
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This is Stephanie's story.
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