Employee Spotlight: Chris Merchant at the Heart of OTS Group’s Projects
At OTS Group, success hinges on the coordination of multiple moving parts, from design to installation, and no one knows this better than Chris Merchant, our project manager extraordinaire. Chris first joined the organisation in 2007 as a Factory Assistant and has held multiple roles during his association with the company. He rejoined in 2022, taking on the position of Production and Project Manager.
Chris embodies the essence of what a project manager does: balancing technical oversight, resource management, and team coordination.
Chris embodies the essence of what a project manager does: balancing technical oversight, resource management, and team coordination. As he puts it, “I work with most people in the business every day, making sure everything gets done properly in different areas.”
A Journey of Growth
Chris’s journey at OTS began during his A-level exam leave, when he worked in the factory performing general tasks like sweeping and cutting materials for fabricators. After leaving to complete a track maintenance apprenticeship with Network Rail and earning a degree from the University of Aberdeen, Chris returned to OTS with newfound skills. His experience as a collections manager for Royal Mail further honed his ability to manage operations and lead teams.
When the opportunity to become a project manager at OTS arose, Chris leaped at the chance to return and make an impact.
What Does a Project Manager Do?
Chris’s role involves far more than overseeing timelines. As a production and project manager, he handles factory scheduling, quality assurance, health and safety compliance, and project delivery. Chris collaborates closely with key team leaders, including Neil, Project Director; Rory, Design Engineer; and Paul, Factory Supervisor. He also engages directly with clients to ensure the seamless delivery of products, meticulously aligned with their exacting requirements.
From managing tank design and procurement to coordinating on-site installations and service jobs, Chris ensures every detail is accounted for. His work spans:
Factory Operations: Scheduling production, supervising teams, and ensuring quality and safety compliance.
Project Delivery: Managing the logistics of tank builds, pipework projects, and installations.
Service Oversight: Coordinating the schedules of eight service engineers and handling maintenance tasks across the UK.
Team Development: Coordinating Health and Safety training, along with all necessary competency development programmes required for the production and project engineering teams.
Financial Coordination: Ensuring deposits and stage payments align with cash flow needs to keep projects on track.
Chris thrives under pressure, a skill that’s essential given the fast-paced nature of his role.
The Glue That Holds It All Together
Chris’s ability to connect the dots across departments makes him indispensable to OTS. His collaboration with factory staff, engineers, and management ensures seamless communication and problem-solving. Whether navigating the logistics of service jobs or troubleshooting on-site challenges, Chris maintains a level-headed approach.
“Under pressure, my brain links things together in a way that works. It’s not always something you can explain, but it’s essential for problem-solving in this role,” Chris says.
A Family Legacy
Chris’s connection to OTS is also a family affair. The organisation takes pride in its multi-generational family connections, which have significantly contributed to its success. Chris's brother, Josh, has also worked at OTS, alongside his long-serving brother-in-law, Richard, who started his career on the production shop floor and has progressed to become a Lead Engineer for the Service team. This tradition continues with the next generation, as Richard's son, Joel, has recently joined OTS as a Factory Assistant.
Chris exemplifies the value of a strong project manager in a business like OTS Group. His deep understanding of the company’s operations and his unwavering commitment to excellence ensure that every project, big or small, is handled with precision and care.
We’re proud to have Chris as a cornerstone of the OTS team, ensuring that our clients receive the best solutions, every time.