Victoria Adams

Victoria Adams is Executive of Shop Operations GE Aviation, Gloucester. In this interview she shares her experience working for GE.

What is your current role?

Site leader at Dowty Propellers, a part of GE Aviation Systems based in Gloucester. I also have the pleasure of co-leading the Women’s Network in the UK Ireland alongside Moira Roberston.

How did you start your working life?

After completing a degree in French & Spanish I joined an International Assistance Company putting my language skills to use. My GE career started shortly after that joining GE Aviation Services in Nantgarw, South Wales.

What has been the journey to that role in terms of other career milestones?

I have been fortunate to have a variety of experiences that have allowed my continuous growth & personal development. After joining GE in 1997, I held roles of increasing responsibility at our aircraft engine overhaul site in operations & customer interfacing roles. A milestone was my commercial role as a Customer Program Manager supporting airline operators of one of our key technology engine products, while also having responsibility for program P&L. Two years ago, I achieved a significant career & personal milestone with a move to our GE Aviation Systems site in Cheltenham taking a broader leadership role in our Supply Chain Division as Materials Leader.

When did you decide you wanted to take this career route?

Becoming the first female site leader for Aviation in the UK is a huge honour for me & is an opportunity for me to combine my commercial & operations leadership experience. Having great role models in our business has inspired me to this role.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

I am passionate about developing people & my role allows me the opportunity to coach a large manufacturing team. Our site is evolving to a Teaming culture with self-directed workforce teams. There is nothing more rewarding that seeing the empowerment that comes from this open environment that has been created as a result, which drives great employee involvement across the entire team.

Have you had an important mentor along the way?

I have had several mentors, both formal & informal and I continue to utilise my network for support & coaching as I continue my personal development journey.

How has GE helped you progress in your career?

GE has a culture which not only focuses on customer satisfaction & operational excellence but also demonstrates a strong commitment to personal development. GE’s commitment to Diversity and the skills I have gained from being an active participant of the Women’s Network have been a significant impact to my personal growth. Through my involvement in the Women’s Network I have had multiple opportunities to demonstrate leadership beyond my role which has supported my personal development journey.

What tips and advice would you give to young women starting out on their career today?

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone…there is no better feeling than a challenge, it’s where we learn the most.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

I see myself with GE. There’s nowhere else I’d rather work & I want to be continuously learning.

In your words, why do you think GE has been named one of the Times Top 50 employers for women?

GE has unyielding commitment to Diversity. This starts with our Senior Leadership and is echoed throughout the business. At Aviation, we are passionate about supporting women in STEM careers and that begins in our communities. I am proud of the partnerships we have with local schools in attracting young girls to a possible future in engineering. The Women’s Network has for the last 15 years dovetailed with our businesses to foster professional development of women in our organisation. We have a passionate & dedicated team of volunteers from across all our businesses in the UK that partner with business leaders to drive the Diversity strategy.