Ian Kirtley, Site Manager

Ian’s been with us nearly three decades at Bowman Ingredients – we’re delighted that he’s been able to progress so much during his time with us, and that we’ve been able to offer fresh challenges to keep his role engaging and rewarding.

How long have you been part of the Bowman Ingredients team?

I started in 1995 through a recruitment agency as part of the initial commissioning of the Ickleford crumb plant. I was then taken on full time in March 1996 – so that’s 27 years with the company! Throughout this period I worked my way up from Operative, to Supervisor, to Production Manager and now I am Site Manager.

What does a typical day in your role look like?

Every day is a different challenge within Operations. It’s fast paced so attention to detail is key. Assessing performance, planning, KPI’s, working with the team to ensure we meet production plan.

What do you love most about your role?

The challenges that each day brings, working with a fantastic team of people, problem solving and running a factory making gluten free products.

What Bowman Ingredients moment will you always remember?

I can vividly remember my very first day walking up to the security gate at Ickleford. It was an impressive site with the old mill purring away. That feeling of not knowing what to expect going into manufacturing as a 20-year-old…

I’ll also never forget my experience with the South African factory commissioning, working with James Elkington and Jo Mee. It was a fantastic opportunity to experience a new country and a way of life.