An Interview with Jenny Rawlings, QG’s Sales and Purchasing Manager
Queensland Gaskets are proud to introduce our Sales and Purchasing Manager, Jenny Rawlings. Since 2011 Jenny oversees key aspects of the business, managing both sales and purchasing with remarkable expertise. Her dual role enables her to maintain a seamless connection between customer needs and efficient material sourcing. Jenny’s extensive experience and strategic approach significantly contribute to the ongoing success and growth of Queensland Gaskets.
Building Strong Customer Connections
Before joining Queensland Gaskets, Jenny spent 25 years at ACL, a major player in the automotive gasket industry. She started in the customer service and then moved into a purchasing role. “I was already familiar with Queensland Gaskets as a customer, and when I left ACL, Guy, the previous manager of Queensland Gaskets, reached out for an interview. The transition felt natural, and I was thrilled to join their team.”
Jenny’s strength is knowing her customers and valuing the power of building long-term trust through personalised solutions, strong customer relationships are based on good listening and understanding each customer’s unique needs and preferences. Taking the time to get to know them personally, which helps in providing tailored solutions and building trust over time.
Personal Growth and Leadership Development
Jenny’s time at Queensland Gaskets has seen her transition from a technical role to a leadership position. She is a strong leader who focuses on valuing each team member’s unique contributions and creating a collaborative and supportive work environment. Jenny believes that:
“Each team member is an individual, and to bring out their best, a leader must take the time to understand them and find the best way to engage and encourage them. What works for one person won’t work for everyone. Never assume you know it all; there’s always more to learn and thinking otherwise can lead to missed opportunities.”
Promoting personal development through training opportunities is highly beneficial for both team members and the business. Carl, the Managing Director of QG, has consistently supported providing training for all QG employees, as highlighted by Jenny.
Because of QG’s strong engagement with the defence industry, Jenny completed the Defence & Industry Study Course (DISC), which has enhanced her ability to connect with Defence customers. She is not scared of highly specialised industry topics either. To be able to promote and sell QG’s unique capability in EMI RFI conductive silicone rubber materials, she attended a course on Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) when Queensland Gaskets became the sole Australian supplier of these unique products. These materials, designed by SSP in New York, address common issues faced with metal-filled elastomers and are used to produce shielding gaskets for military, aerospace, electronics, and other high-demand applications by Queensland Gaskets’ customers.
Industry Diversification and acquisition of OSAAP Australia
As a family-owned business, Queensland Gaskets enjoys unique advantages and freedoms of leadership and management like flexibility and quick decision-making, which allows them to quickly adapt to market changes. Competing with larger multinational corporations remains a challenge, Jenny noted, but the company’s strong values, commitment to innovation, and customer satisfaction sets them apart. She highlights the importance of diversification across various industries and the risks of relying on a single sector. QG has a large customer base and reach in industries such as defence, mining, construction, utilities, and renewable energy.
“The recent acquisition of OSAAP Australia is a great example of that. The acquisition expands our product range, particularly in precision tool-kit inserts and foam cut-out solutions, opening up new opportunities in industries like aviation, aerospace, and medical, where precision and customisation are crucial.” Jenny expects this strategic move to drive considerable growth and development.
Experiences as a Woman in Manufacturing
Reflecting on her positive experiences as a woman in the manufacturing industry, Jenny notes the increase of women in manufacturing over the years. Female welders and mechanical engineers as an example of careers that became more popular with women.
“I encourage all females to get into this industry if that is what they want to do. It can be challenging, which in turn can make it very rewarding. There are a lot more opportunities than there were previously in some areas. I always felt encouraged over the years in the direction I wanted to head in my career and never felt disadvantaged by my gender.”
The Role of Networking and Industry Associations
Jenny believes that networking plays a crucial role in successful relationships building. ” Being part of organisations like the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) is invaluable for gaining knowledge about different aspects of the industry and staying updated on new trends, and networking with other professionals.”, she says.
This involvement has helped Queensland Gaskets identify new opportunities for growth and innovation. The participation in meetings, events and courses through AIDN is important for staying connected and informed within the industry. Jenny notes:
“Being part of AIDN has been instrumental in understanding market dynamics. It has helped Queensland Gaskets learn from others, gain insights into industry trends, find new partners and discover new opportunities for expansion.”
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Jenny offers this advice to aspiring professionals in the manufacturing industry:
“Stay curious and continuously seek learning opportunities. The industry is always evolving with new technologies and methodologies, so staying adaptable and proactive is important. Building a strong network within the industry can provide support and open doors to opportunities.”
Queensland Gaskets is fortunate to have Jenny as an integral member of their team. Her dedication, expertise, and strategic vision continue to drive the company forward, ensuring excellence and customer satisfaction in every project.
If you would like to connect with Jenny, reach out to her via Linkedin.