Katie Gedge is our Project Manager/ Deputy Management Representative (QMS).
Katie is a long-standing member of the team starting out as a Customer Service Advisor way back in 2006. Over the years, Katie has had a hand in most departments with roles in Commercials, Warehouse, Design & Development, Graphics, Planning, Operations and even production! There’s not much she doesn’t know about how Signwaves operates.
Katie has definitely found her niche now, working predominantly with top management to ensure compliance to our ISO standards (9001 and 14001). Being a self-confessed perfectionist; data control, system and process management and a love of spreadsheets means Signwaves is in good hands when it comes to accreditation. Katie also supports the planning function and co-ordinates ad-hoc projects as and when required.
“I love being able to review and assess our processes, whether it be through audits or our other methods of feedback. It enables us to seek out improvements and efficiencies that help staff to do their jobs more effectively. There is a real sense of achievement when something you have instigated brings about real benefit to the company and its customers”.
Outside of work, Katie has a passion for sports, in particular hockey. Katie has played hockey for a local club for almost 30 years and like Signwaves, has had many roles over the years. Currently the 1st team captain, Katie also umpires, coaches and is the squad manager and umpire liaison officer for all teams.
“It’s a big commitment but I wouldn’t be without it. I absolutely love the thrill of a good competitive game and do all I can to ensure training and games go ahead every week. I firmly believe that the skills I’ve learned through team sports translate to the working environment and vice versa, in particular, leadership and responsibility. I would encourage any young person to get involved in sports if they can. It drives determination, confidence and communication skills which can be translated to any career choice”.
Coming up to 17 years service, we asked Katie what her most memorable Signwaves moment has been so far.
“I think I’ll have to go with the year we celebrated 25 years of Signwaves. We did multiple events across the year and it really engaged everyone with plenty of laughs along the way”.