Making the move from outsourced IT consultant to in-house IT Manager, Andrew was well versed with the workings of the Group before taking up his position in 2020. Now Linear’s resident IT guru, he provides vital and diverse expertise across all IT functions and genuinely loves helping people whenever and however he can. A self-confessed chatterbox, Andrew’s energy and personality make him a great colleague and fun person to have on the team.
How did you come to work for Linear?
Linear Projects was previously a client of mine when I worked there as their Technical Consultant for an IT business so I spent around 5 years working with them prior to coming on board. During this time, I got to know the company, the culture, and the team very well. One day I had the chance to tell Stephen Holmes (CEO) how much I wanted to be part of the Linear team and the rest is now history.
Tell us about your role
I work in a supporting role dealing with all the IT functions, processes, and systems within the Linear Group, hopefully making these work for everyone but most importantly the people on-site doing all the hard work. Overall, my focus is on ensuring our team and our systems get ahead of the curve so that we have an advantage over everyone else. Being incredibly dynamic despite our size, we are not tied to old antiquated systems meaning that we are in a better position than larger competitors to pursue better and more modern solutions to find an edge.
What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Helping people is awesome and then the bonus of getting to learn from everyone around me. I am very fortunate in that I get to interact professionally as part of my role and some of the talent and expertise that we have in the business in their retrospective roles is mind-blowing.
What is the proudest moment in your career?
Some years ago I was asked to help resolve a vital issue around running the security for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and it saw me take on an interesting role surrounded by ex-army and ex-intelligent services and guys in order to try and fix the problem. Thankfully I was able to pull off the almost impossible and get things up and running – as well as making me feel like I could have been in my own Bond movie!
Who has influenced you most?
My dad. He was the original when it came to being a pure geek, the first person to ever send me an e-mail and he was easily the smartest man in the world ever.
What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
Spinning plates is the biggest challenge. Everyone’s IT issues are normally very critical, but I don’t have control over how many things can go pop on a Monday morning so it can be tricky to triage everyone's individual problems whilst managing expectations. Alongside this, preventing frustration can be challenging but I strive to make sure I bring as much positivity to the table to help fix the problem and ease any frustration, which I believe people appreciate.
What makes Linear different?
Everyone is sound, shows respect to each other and understands the team mantra and if you don’t, you really stand out like a sore thumb. Everyone wants to take responsibility for fixing the problem and has zero interest in spending time blaming the person that caused it, which I think is awesome and totally something that I am proud to be part of.
How have things changed since you joined?
I think in the 14 months, we have taken on more than 60 new Group staff, added several new systems and completed several IT projects so quite a bit! The move to Maxim Park has been brilliant and it’s great to all be back under one roof, collaborating and working together in person.
How would others describe you?
Well, let’s face it, I talk too much, but it’s just the way I am and how my brain is wired. Aside from that, I secretly hope that people would say that I was decent and approachable because I am not doing my job if I am not.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love cars so most weekends I will be somewhere car related, working on the car, cleaning the car, or planning on what car parts are getting put on next. I grew up on Fast and Furious movies so one of the things on my bucket list is a 10-second car and I am working on it. I also love punk music, live gigs, decent food and craft beer.