Engineering

Name: Dean Michie
Title: Area Manager
Company: PBR Australia

Dean started working in a milk processing plant while he was finishing high school, and therefore became comfortable working in a factory environment from a relatively early age. He was undecided as to what he wanted to do as a career, so he continued working and commenced the Diploma of Engineering with RMIT on a part-time basis.

In 1996, Dean commenced a six-week work placement with PBR to complete a project as part of his Diploma. “At the time I started my placement with PBR, they were offering graduate positions which sounded like a good opportunity to experience many different areas within manufacturing. I applied for one of these positions and was successful.”

“For the next three years, I was rotated through different departments including Engineering, OH&S, Quality, Maintenance and Production. The opportunity to experience the same company from the viewpoints of different departments was extremely valuable. After completing the Graduate program, I accepted a position as Afternoon Shift Supervisor in the Park Brake Plant, working for two Area Managers. I was promoted to Area Manager 18 months ago.”

PBR is an Australian manufacturer and designer of Original Equipment brake systems and components such as brake calipers, disc rotors, master cylinders and park brakes, supplying customers such as Ford, Holden, Mitsubishi, Toyota and General Motors in the US. One of eight Area Managers at PBR’s manufacturing site in East Bentleigh, Dean is responsible for the disc rotor, plating and pistons business units. He is responsible for all aspects of the performance of these business units, including Safety, Quality, Schedule Achievement, Efficiency and Operating Expenses and has approximately 30 direct reports.

“The most important requirements for my role are people management skills, common sense and personal determination. You also need to be able to prioritise and remain calm under pressure. Management in automotive manufacturing is never boring. There is always a challenge to overcome, an opportunity for improvement and the chance to have a high level of contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures, which I really enjoy. The odd mini-crisis also provides a test of character and a bit of excitement. The other reason I enjoy my role is that I get to see our products on highly respected vehicles driving around, and I feel proud knowing I contributed to that.”

Dean really enjoys the people management side of his role, and is hoping to continue his career in positions in which people development forms a key part. PBR also have manufacturing sites in the U.S., Malaysia and Thailand and there are often opportunities to work in one of PBR’s overseas manufacturing plants. “At the moment, I am really enjoying my current position, and am learning more about PBR’s products and my own capabilities every day. Because I have experience in a few areas at PBR, there are a number of paths my career can take. However, I really enjoy the fast pace of production so I’m happy to stay here for the moment. There’s still a lot more left to learn.”

Click here to go to PBR's Web site www.pbr.com.au