Linda Carty is the Global Category Manager for Umbilical Raw Materials, Global Travel, and ROV Tethers and Umbilicals, within our Supply Chain Management group. Linda is based in Rosyth, Scotland.
In her position, she obtained her Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply qualification. She said that the most rewarding aspects of her time at Oceaneering has been mentoring new personnel and leading negotiations with our strategic suppliers.
“I have supported team members through obtaining their Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply qualifications over the years and absolutely loved seeing how they have flourished not only in their job roles but on a personal level too,” she said.
“I love the collaboration with the project and engineering teams to seek every opportunity to take cost out, this may be from supplier negotiations or sourcing alternative materials. We have a well-respected supply chain team in the organization, and we are extremely proud of what we achieved over the years.”
Linda never sought out a career within Purchasing, she said, adding that she stumbled into it “by accident,” but now it is her dream job.
“Our Purchasing Team was very small and extremely busy at the same time,” she said. “I volunteered to help them during their busy time and after a few weeks the Purchasing Manager offered me the position of Purchasing Administrator. I loved the buzz and many challenges around the department, so was delighted to accept.”
Linda, who has been with Oceaneering for over 20 years now, rose through the ranks from Assistant Buyer to Buyer, and then Purchasing Manager, Supply Chain Manager, and now Global Category Manager.
“I have been in my role for nearly two years, and I absolutely love the challenges and rewards it brings.”
When asked what’s the biggest challenge she has faced as a woman in the Purchasing field, she said the biggest challenge has been herself.
“When I first started, it was absolutely a man’s world,” Linda said. “As I have no technical or engineering background, I didn’t believe that I had a skill set to be valued, which knocked my confidence. Most of the meetings I attended (back then) I was the only woman, but the more I attended the meetings, the more my confidence grew.”
Linda also sought help from other team members, when needed. “I also learned to utilize the engineering team we had onsite, and the team were very helpful and willing to take the time to discuss technical issues in a way which would help me.”
Linda said that she feels grateful for the support and development she has received during her two decades with Oceaneering.
“I believe if you work hard and have the right attitude, then the leaders within our organization will give you every opportunity to succeed,” she said.
“The leaders in my organization have pushed me over the years, even when I did not believe I could do something; they worked with me to prove that I could meet their challenge.”
For the next generation of women coming into the workforce, Linda has some simple advice: Believe in yourself.
“Don’t sit back and wait for someone to come knocking on your door,” she said. “Push for what you want. Look all around you. See who you respect and aspire to be like, perhaps they could be your mentor.”
She added: “Don’t be afraid to say, ‘you don’t know’ and don’t be afraid to ask for help. People in general are keen to talk about what they know and pass on their knowledge to the next generation.”
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