We’d like to give you a sneaky peek into the working lives of some of the Quattro Foods employees. This month we chat to office manager Cibele…
Q. Please can you describe your role at Quattro Foods.
A. As office manager my role is dynamic. No two days are the same. I offer admin support, reception duties, customer service. I process orders, book transport, order stationery and support the finance department. I plan our Christmas party and birthday cards and balloons to team members. I keep up morale by topping everyone up with tea and coffee throughout the day! It’s full on with never a moment to twiddle my thumbs, but I love it.
Q. How long have you been working at Quattro Foods?
A. 7 years. I joined just after my daughter was born.
Q. Have you always had an interest in the food industry?
A. Not really. I studied Sciences at college and then worked in property before joining Quattro. I love food though and really enjoy trying our different recipes.
Q. What are your favourite aspects of the job?
A. I like the variety that comes from assisting in different departments. I like talking to our customers, as the contact for orders I develop a relationship with them. I’ve recently been trained in production planning, which I thoroughly enjoy as it’s often challenging and I love a challenge!
Q. What are you least favourite aspects of the job?
A. Definitely, archiving paperwork!
Q. Have you noticed any remarkable changes in the industry since you joined the business?
A. Demand for ready made food for catering has increased in the last few years. Time is increasingly valuable, and more companies outsource their production to concentrate on other things and ensure consistency across their retail chains.
Q. What do you find most rewarding about your job?
A. Helping customers. We are often asked for deliveries ahead of the agreed date, specific delivery times and even increased quantities at short notice. We can’t help every time, but we try our best and it can make a big difference to the customer. It’s a great feeling.
Q. What is it like working with the Quattro Team?
A. We have a really great team. We’re like a big family. It’s great working for a flexible employer, where consideration is always given to family life. Even though we’ve grown from nine employees to 35, our ethos and team spirit remains the same. As the business grows we face challenges and we naturally pull together to overcome them. We work in tandem and always step in to help each other. The atmosphere in the office is lovely, with some good-natured humour, although I keep tabs on that too!
Q. In your opinion what four words describe Quattro as a business?
A. Quality, Dynamic, Efficient, Fresh.
Q. Do you see any major changes for the food manufacturing industry for the future?
A. I think as techniques are developed and perfected, the demand for home-made lines will increase, in quantity and variety. Consumers don’t want bulk manufactured goods, so there’s a trend towards home-made, bespoke produce, giving a wider variety of eating options on the high street.