Spotlight on Kieran Jones
This blog is featuring one of Brand Architekts unsung heroes, Kieran Jones. He is an extremely important cog in the business system, without him and his team we wouldn't be able to supply our customers.
When did you join BA & what is your role?
I started at Brand Architekts three years ago. I am the Supply Chain Manager so covering everything within supply planning, the forecast process, sales order cycle and 3rd party logistics partnering (warehousing/distribution).
What did you do before?
Prior to Brand Architekts, I spent 22 years working for a large FMCG business. Most of that time was running planning teams within Food categories before switching to Personal Care.
Tell us about a recent project you are proud of
It’s difficult to pick out one single thing – I have always had a deep passion for problem solving so it is all of the small differences that I make on a day-to-day basis that brings me most satisfaction.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Making any 9am meeting… I am not a morning person! Apart from that, I have a degree in Mathematics which is normally enough to kill any conversation. I’m also fully certified by the supply chain gods at APICS in production and inventory management (CPIM).
Who has had the greatest influence on your professional life?
I have been lucky enough to have had a number of great line managers over the years. However, the person who has had the biggest impact is Simon Forster-Scorgie – not just because of his exceptional Supply Chain knowledge and business leadership but for allowing my strengths and uniqueness to flourish.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small village just north of Downham Market in West Norfolk with my parents and two brothers. We were instilled with a strong work ethic from a very young age – when I was 6, my parents bought the village shop so I feel like I have been working non-stop since then although I did appoint myself as the unofficial sweet taster along with our two Labradors!
Tell us about your football legacy
Not a huge amount to tell although a brief potted history would start with school and county football as a child before ending up playing at Dulwich Hamlet and Croydon as an adult. I am a fully qualified referee so nowadays I officiate girls and women’s football in my village where we have about 10 teams.
We've understood that you are a keen DIY man?
Yes, I try my hand at everything providing it doesn’t involve plumbing or electricity (and especially not the two together!!). I have worked my way around the house and currently turning the former kitchen into a utility room since having the garage converted into the new kitchen.
TV Shows you love?
I’ve never found anyone else who likes it (or even aware of it!) however there was an American series called “Supernatural” that ran for 15 seasons and finished a couple of years ago. I’m not going to do a good job of selling it however it is about two guys who are constantly saving the world from evil and there is loads of classic rock music played throughout. On a more conventional level, I am prone to a quiz or a celebrity show so Only Connect, Celebrity SAS and Celebs Go Dating always get a good airing!
Favourite dish or cuisine?
I am not a big foodie however I will nearly always go for some form of seafood. Failing that then a bag of chips will do!
What is your #1 go to beauty product?
A light moisturiser, ideally water boosted. From a Brand Architekts perspective, my current weapon of choice is Super Facialist for Men’s Sensitive Moisturiser.
Favourite book?
To be awkward, I have two. The first one is “Greavsie” – it’s an autobiography of Jimmy Greaves whilst the second one is “Black Dog” by Pamela Allen. For parents that want to graduate from “Goodnight Moon” then I can thoroughly recommend “Black Dog”. Spoiler alert: there is no magical blue bird.
An item you would never part with?
Rather randomly… it has to be contact lenses. I say “randomly” because, since my late 20s, it was part of my weekday routine when leaving the house. In the current climate where we adopt more agile/remote working then I wear them less… it just makes going into the office all that more special!
Do you have a favourite quote?
There is a Mark Twain quote that has always resonated with me, i.e. “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything” as it always reminds me that whatever I say is coming from a good place. That said, whenever you hear me say “the devil is in the detail” then it probably means “you are going to get bored if I try to explain this to you!”
Final thoughts to conclude this interview?
I would like to see Tottenham win the premier league at some point during my lifetime.
Thank you Kieran for sharing with us!
