Meet the Team: James Matchett
At Marantec UK, experience and technical knowledge play an important role in helping customers get the right solution, particularly when requirements are complex or time-sensitive.
For our latest Meet the Team feature, we caught up with James Matchett, Internal Sales Engineer and Team Leader, who has spent 14 years with Link Controls and Marantec UK and is preparing to take on an entirely new challenge within the business.
What is your current role at Marantec UK?
James currently works as an Internal Sales Engineer and Team Leader, putting him at the heart of the day-to-day Sales operation.
His mornings usually begin by speaking with Production to understand available capacity and help establish priorities for the day.
“I usually hit the ground running and I never run out of work. First job is to speak to Production first thing to get an idea of available capacity and start to set up the day.”
From there, James keeps an eye on activity across the business, including stock levels, to help ensure everything continues to run smoothly.
What are your main responsibilities?
A significant part of James' role involves supporting the wider Sales team.
This includes checking work, sharing the knowledge he has accumulated during his 14 years with the business and helping newer team members develop their understanding of Marantec UK's products and solutions.
He also handles some of the more challenging customer enquiries where additional technical knowledge or problem-solving is required.
“The problem solving is one of the things I enjoy most. I also love seeing the newer team members make logical leaps and grasp new ideas and concepts.”
His responsibilities aren't limited to Sales either. James runs Marantec UK's 3D printer farm, producing engineering-grade parts as well as materials used by the Marketing team.
Responding to a fast-moving industry
James has seen considerable change during his time with Link Controls and Marantec UK, particularly in the technology available to both businesses and customers.
“I've seen big changes in technology, particularly CAD to 3D model, manufacturing and, of course, AI.”
Customer expectations have developed alongside that technology.
“Our customers expect and need new online tools to help speed up operator selection and technical advice.”
James says there is more to come in this area as Marantec UK continues developing new ways of helping customers access information and support more efficiently.
Speed, however, cannot come at the expense of getting things right.
“Things move fast; customers can't always wait. Our customers trust us with their business and projects, so we cannot let them down. Attention to detail is paramount. We want every install to be right first time.”
Expertise across the business
When asked what makes Marantec UK stand out to customers, James points to the knowledge found throughout the company rather than any single department.
“Our sales people strive to be experts, the drives and controls knowledge in our Technical team is industry-leading. Production assemble, test and turn that order into reality, sometimes under very time-constrained circumstances; they are the best in the business.”
That makes communication between departments particularly important.
From an initial customer enquiry through to Production and the eventual shipping of an order, different areas of the business depend on one another.
“Everyone's expertise plays a part in accomplishing great outcomes for our customers, so it's important we listen to each other.”
A new challenge for James
September marks the beginning of a significant new chapter.
After more than 25 years working in Sales roles, James will move into a new position focused on sustainability and carbon literacy.
It's an opportunity to apply his experience in a very different area while developing an entirely new set of skills.
“My next role focuses on sustainability and carbon literacy. It's my first job that isn't a sales role in over 25 years, so I'm looking forward to re-skilling and trying something different.”
Outside Marantec UK
James' interests outside work are almost as varied as his responsibilities inside it.
Computers and his home lab, photography, 3D printing, winemaking, gardening, vermicomposting and amateur car servicing have all featured at one point or another.
There is, however, one notable exception.
“Everything except DIY, much to the dismay of my wife Sharon...”
After 14 years with Link Controls and Marantec UK, James brings considerable experience and product knowledge to the team. As he prepares to move into his new sustainability-focused role, we're looking forward to seeing him bring that same curiosity and problem-solving approach to the next chapter of his career at Marantec UK.
#together.
Marantec UK
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