Martin Foley

Tell us about yourself

I studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Portsmouth, and later achieved a BSc (Hons) degree in Engineering and Management. Additionally, I also hold a HND in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

My career in the UK started at IBM UK, when as part of my degree placement I worked at the Environmental Development Laboratory supporting the development and testing of IT equipment and in particular, new disk drive technologies. I later managed the test lab at IBM which included the development lab and a packaging test laboratory. This later was acquired by Xyratex and finally Teleplan International.

My life at TÜV SÜD started in 2000 when TÜV SÜD acquired the lab I managed in Havant from Teleplan International.

Why did you choose to apply to TÜV SÜD?

As mentioned above, I didn’t quite choose TÜV SÜD at that time. When TÜV SÜD purchased the laboratory, I was lucky enough to be requested to join the TÜV SÜD team. I agreed to stay with TÜV SÜD whilst UKAS accreditation was being gained before leaving in 2001 to take a few years off travelling. On my return to the UK, I was encouraged by my previous TÜV SÜD manager to apply for a role as Project Manager and I joined in March 2003. The range of industries supported and diversity of testing solutions was what drew me towards TÜV SÜD.

Where do you work?

I started in my current role as Strategic Account Manager nine months ago and spend approximately half my time in the office and half my time working from home or visiting customers. Going forward, I expect to reduce my time in the office.

What are your main areas of expertise?

Defence and aerospace qualification testing requirements, which include EMC, climatic and mechanical testing, and a particular knowledge of naval systems.

What does your role involve?

My current role is supporting our key accounts, developing strong relationships and partnerships with our larger customers. This is not only to maintain and extend the confidence they have in TÜV SÜD, but to understand their longer-term requirements and future needs so we can tailor our services to support.

What most Interests you about your role?

The diversity of customers, projects and technologies creates learning opportunities every day. I enjoy the challenge of winning work and delivering a positive customer experience in every interaction.

What do you find most exciting about your job?

Getting a forward view on new technologies and how technology developed for use in one industry is later being utilised in other industries, e.g. communications technology being adapted for automotive and defence applications.

Highlights include having the opportunity to work on a wide variety of naval platforms including surface and submarine platforms, spending a week on board a Royal Navy nuclear submarine being a particular highlight.

What exciting developments have you seen in the company since you started?

I started nearly 20 years ago when GSM mobile phones were in their infancy. The developments from where we were then to the kinds of data speeds achievable now has been very exciting.

What future trends do you see developing in your area of work?

My area of work spans several industries including aviation, defence, marine and automotive. A common theme in all these areas will be developments in carbon reduction and sustainability, together with use of new energy systems from batteries to fuel cell technologies through to direct hydrogen propulsion

What is your biggest challenge?

Ensuring we continue to develop services and expertise in areas that are relevant to our customers, being able to keep one step ahead of competitors to support emerging technologies. Things are moving so fast that this is an exciting challenge.

What do you see as the top perk of working for TÜV SÜD?

Apart from the introduction of free soup in our restaurant during these colder months, the best perk of working for TÜV SÜD is the ability to engage and network with colleagues from across the globe and meet challenges in a collaborative way. Not many companies offer such a diverse and engaged global workforce, together with the encouragement to work closer together to deliver for our customers around the world.

How have TÜV SÜD supported you?

The training and career development opportunities at TÜV SÜD are clear. TÜV SÜD has supported me with interesting training and challenges throughout my varied career and supported those changes with good training and learning opportunities.

How would you describe your fellow workers in five words?

Clever, engaged, excited, helpful and fun.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for a role similar to yours?

Go for it, what you put in will determine what you get back. TÜV SÜD will offer the challenges and learning opportunities but you need to grab hold of those opportunities. My final piece of advice is to leave work before 5pm and keep your weekends free.

Find out more about our transport services and our solutions for hydrogen technology.

RELATED tRAINIng COURSES:

EMC Training Courses

Hydrogen Training Courses