David Johnson, general manager of Kestrel Foods

David Johnson, general manager of Kestrel Foods
BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Before joining Kestrel Foods, I worked for over 25 years with Avondale Foods. I started with Avondale Foods as part of a student placement programme from Loughry College (CAFRE) and moved steadily through the ranks to become Factory Manager.
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?
As general manager of Kestrel Foods, I work closely with the managing director to develop
and implement the manufacturing strategy
and objectives. We produce over 160 product
combinations and export to 36 countries
worldwide.
WHEN DID YOU TAKE UP THIS POST?
I started with Kestrel in June 2016
WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF
YOUR JOB?
The best part of my job is the diversity of it, no two
days are the same. We produce so many different
products and deal with so many different countries
that it is impossible to get bored. As soon as you
are finished one task, you are immediately dealing
with something completely different – I love that
challenge!
Dealing with so many markets, sometimes the time
difference can be a challenge – however there is
nothing we can do about that!
BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY
My role includes the direct control of a range of dayto-
day operations at our food-processing plant in
Craigavon, including capacity planning, production,
supply chain, health and safety, technical and quality
assurance, engineering and warehouse operations.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST
MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE?
I would say that working as a factory manager
is a bit like sailing; it is a series of many small
adjustments that keep you on the right course
rather than one big move so it is really hard to
pick out one defining moment. Overall, I would
say I am most proud of managing a talented
group of people who helped drive continuous
growth through some very challenging times. To
do that, successfully and steadily, is what makes
me most proud.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT
BEING INVOLVED WITH THE
INDUSTRY?
In Northern Ireland, we have a number of
first-class food producers and manufacturers. I
have been in the industry for over 25 years and
recently I have seen a major shift in the Northern
Irish food sector. We are more outward looking
than ever before, with a big push on the export
market. It’s particularly exciting to work for a
company like Kestrel Foods at this time, as it has
a very strong local presence, and really focus on
expanding its global reach.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO
UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK?
In my spare time, I work as a swim coach in my
local swim club, play golf when I can and I also
enjoy spending time with my wife and two sons.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT
YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE
MAY KNOW
I am a part-time farmer! I’ve been breeding
Pedigree Charolais & Commercial Beef cattle
for the best part of 25 years as well as producing
crops.