Team Leader

Name:

Marco

Title:

Team Leader

Infineum Site:

Milton Hill, UK

My Work

I lead the group of technologists and laboratory chemists who collectively make up the Passenger Car Formulation Team. I have accountability for resourcing, stewarding and delivering the agreed portfolio of passenger car motor oil (PCMO) projects and providing work direction to the colleagues within the team. We need to keep developing our products, to keep them up to date with changing performance requirements, and ahead of our competition.

My Day

The highlight of each day is seeing a job well done. That can be from making a technical suggestion to providing direction to colleagues that helps them to achieve a worthwhile goal in their personal development or within their technical programs.

In addition to the technical challenges, I also enjoy being able to influence how we use or apply current and future additive technology to maintain and improve performance. Add to this talking with car manufacturers to understand what they want in the future and how we might be able to help provide them with such products. It is incredibly fulfilling.

My Path

After obtaining a PhD / post-doctoral research in Chemistry, I started my career at Infineum in the Components Research group. I spent a year in the Components AAA Group, working on research products looking at antioxidants, antiwear and antifriction additives. Another year I worked on chemistry-related problems in the Components Detergents team. I then had the opportunity in Crankcase Development, working on corrosion tests and additive solutions, and supporting engine oil developments. My next project was a multi-million dollar study backed by an oil company, managing an international team of research workers including university collaborations here in the UK.

The last 18 months I’ve been focused on European developments and issues, such as doing groundwork in preparation for the latest European engine oil sequences. Following my recent promotion to PCMO Team Leader, I’m responsible for all the passenger car projects and my team as well.

My Take

Working for a successful company is always a good feeling and gives a sense of security. I like that the products we make, the efforts and work direction we follow, and the chemistry that is developed are at heart driven by “green” legislation. But it is the people here that really make the company: There’s a real sense of support and togetherness about working here that is hard to find elsewhere.

I’ve never worked for other chemical companies, but when I describe the camaraderie amongst colleagues, the support we are given by people in other teams and the opportunities I’ve had so far, I’m always met with surprise. Add to that the need for more invention, more innovation, and more science as the additives industry heads forward. I can’t think of an industry where we will be challenged as much and that could offer as many opportunities.

I arrived here by luck, but I can’t see myself leaving.