Christos Liveras
Quality & Environmental Systems Specialist
NSK Europe
Newark Office
"...the people/employees are I believe what makes NSK Europe a fantastic place to work."
"How did you end up working in the bearings industry?"
After finishing University, I worked in the food manufacturing industry for 5 years in an environmental role, and I then transitioned into the bearing manufacturing industry when I saw an environmental role being advertised at NSK.
I saw this as a great opportunity to work within a different type of industry and was keen to add this to my professional work experience.
"How did you progress to your current role?"
I have worked in the EQA department since I started working at NSK, however through the support and guidance of EQA management I slowly took on more responsibilities within the department and transitioned from my initial role as an Environmental Representative, to that of an Environmental & Quality Representative, and now into my current role as Environmental & Quality Systems Specialist.
"When it comes to your department (legal, HR, finance etc), what is the biggest challenge you face working for a company like NSK?"
The biggest challenge I faced was in the early stages of joining NSK. It was a whole new industry, as well as a much bigger and complex business to that which I had previously worked.
It took some time to build up my knowledge of the business and become well versed with how it functioned. But in that time, I gained valuable experience and lessons which I have tried to pass on to other new employees over the years that I have been with NSK.
"What’s one project or initiative you’ve worked on which you’re really proud of?"
I have been lucky to be part of several important projects since I have worked at NSK, but to choose one I would pick my leadership of the project to ensure NSK’s compliance to the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme Regulations (ESOS).
This came into force in 2015, quite earlier in my NSK career, and it required me to work closely with the UK manufacturing plants, European Procurement Dept, third-party contractors and NSK OC members, to ensure that NSK’s UK operations fully complied with these new environmental regulations.
I had never worked on such a large scale and wide-ranging project, not to mention to lead it, and after achieving compliance to the first phase of ESOS in 2015 I felt a great sense of professional achievement.
"How do you encourage employees to engage with environmental and quality initiatives?"
Through site visits and auditing I engage with employees across NSK Europe on environmental and quality topics, ranging from legal compliance, management system adherence and opportunities to improve.
I also work closely with employees across NSK Europe’s locations to gather and consolidate environmental data, and I hold periodic meetings with site representatives to share environmental improvement activities/projects taking place in other locations.
"What’s a common misconception people have about what you do?"
Internally due to the word ‘systems’ being in my job title, employees often believe I am expert administrator of all NSK systems, which is not always the case. There are certain environmental and quality systems that I have become a specialist in, over the years of working at NSK.
"What are your key responsibilities?"
I am a lead environmental and quality systems auditor. I have become a lead admin/expert in several environmental and quality systems used within the business. I support our sales and manufacturing operations with various environmental and quality topics.
I work with our UK operations to ensure compliance to environmental legislation. I also liaise with NSK HQ in Japan to cascade environmental requests to NSK Europe operations.
"...I engage with employees across NSK Europe on environmental and quality topics."
"What are your key goals for the future?"
I would like to continue to my professional development within NSK with the view to one day move into a more senior role.
"What have you found most enjoyable/satisfying about working at NSK?"
The people. Compared to previous places of work, the people/employees are I believe what makes NSK Europe a fantastic place to work.
Also, the department I work in is second to none. We have a great team of people that work incredibly well together and have developed a real strong bond and team spirit.
"What advice do you have for women entering a traditionally male dominated industry?"
During my time at NSK I have worked well with women across various departments and locations, and I have seen nothing in NSK Europe that should deter women joining this industry. NSK as a business is a very welcoming and forward-thinking company to work for.
"What’s your favourite book or film?"
I have several books in my favourite list, but if I had to pick one it would the Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien. I read this as a young boy and have re-read it several times since.
"What’s your favourite holiday destination? Why?"
I would have to say Cancun in Mexico, where I went for my honeymoon. The hotel we stayed in was fantastic and it was an incredibly relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
Also, we managed to visit Chichen Itza and some other Mayan ruins during this holiday, which I thoroughly enjoyed, as I have a real interest in history, and ancient civilisations.
"If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?"
Due to my strong interest in history, an Archaeologist would be a job that I would be very keen to try.
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