Our People

Natalie Wicks Story

KUP has supported my learning and career progression from day one as an Accounts Assistant to becoming Assistant Accountant.

I started out on an Apprenticeship whereby I attained the AAT qualification and gained a lot of beneficial onsite experience in the workplace.

KUP always strive to develop their staff and have allowed me to further advance my career, supporting me through the CIMA qualification as well as other courses including the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) and in house leadership courses, such as the NXT Leadership.

The NXT was a great opportunity to network with like-minded associates in other KOHLER companies on the in-house Emerging Leader’s course. Associates were sent on 3 separate weeklong courses with associates in KOHLER Companies in France, Italy, and the UK. During these weeks we learned vital management and leadership skills as well as tasks to find out more about our thought processes and working styles.

We utilized these skills to complete individual projects within our businesses and created video presentations to show our findings. I found the whole experience rewarding – particularly understanding different cultures within the work environment and how to communicate effectively.

As KUP has continued to grow, they ensure that their staff do too, making you feel like an integral part of the business.

I enjoy working for a company who have taken the time to invest in my future and help me reach my full potential.

Alex Emms Story

I joined KUP in January 2000. I was impressed with the growth of this young company which after 3 years was growing quickly. Moving to a new company was a big decision, especially from a secure job in a large company, however, it turned out to be a very good decision.

I joined KUP as a Service Engineer, effectively taking a demotion in my career however the benefits of joining KUP were soon proved to me with the company’s commitment to its staff and the rewards and recognition that were shown.

I was trained on the products in-house and in the factory, the company invested time to develop my abilities and as the company grew, I was able to grow with it progressing to Senior Service Engineer and then to a new position of Service Supervisor. I was provided with first-line management training as my responsibilities broadened and then after further company growth, the Service Managers position became available and I was happy to take on the role.

The company fully supported my development and ensured external training was provided to help in furthering my career. As the company continued to expand I was able to help shape the Service Department using my own experience and new skills.

After 10 years as the Service Manager, the role of Director of Operations became vacant due to retirement and I was very pleased when I was offered the position.  This position has given me the additional responsibility of the Projects department.  The responsibilities as Operations Director offer me the opportunity to help guide the company towards further expansion and also develop associates to further their careers.

Wayne Poole Story

I have worked at KOHLER Uninterruptible Power since 2005 at the age of 18 it was my first full time job. I joined as a Junior Administrative Assistant assisting both the Finance and Projects Departments. I saw this as an opportunity to gain basic administration skills and experience working within an office environment whilst deciding on my future career opportunities. One of the managers appointed themselves as my mentor through guidance and training a career path was developed that I could grow into.

In 2006, I was promoted to Operations Administrator and worked with the Operations Director and Field Service Departments. I assisted the schedulers in booking work for the engineers and assisted the Operations Director with managing key customer accounts and reports. The company also provided the funding for me to attend training and achieve an NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration.

In 2007 I was promoted to work within the Projects team as a Projects Administrator. This involved being responsible for managing small projects and gaining my first insight into project management.

During 2008 I was promoted to Trainee Projects Engineer. To develop my technical knowledge the company also funded my training further and I gained my C&G 2391 BS6761 Wiring Regulations Certificate and also attended a 2-year course to achieve my C&G 2330 Electrotechnical Installation Certificate. I was promoted again in 2009 to Internal Projects Engineer where I managed larger projects and was developed further by both external and internal training including achieving my ILM Level 3 Certificate.

I was promoted into a Projects Engineer in 2013 where I managed the key projects, attended site meetings, and completed site surveys. The company provided further training and I become PRINCE2 certified. In 2016, I was promoted to Senior Projects Engineer and am now responsible for 3 Project Engineers. Once again, the company were committed to funding my development and in 2017 I gained my CMI Level 5 in Management & Leadership and am currently also completing my CMI Level 5 NVQ in Management & Leadership.

In 2018 I was selected to complete the KOHLER NXT program for aspiring leaders within EMEA at KOHLER. I was very proud to be selected and gained invaluable knowledge and experience over the 18 month program. It also gave me the opportunity to meet colleagues across Europe and share our own knowledge and experiences with each other. It was an unforgettable experience that I encourage anybody to take advantage of if given the opportunity.

I have enjoyed my time working for KUP and always enjoyed the challenges provided. Within KUP there is a wealth of experience and knowledge and those people who possess this are always keen to pass it on to help develop others. I have always found that whenever I have required support, I have been able to rely on the organisation for this.