Career spotlight: Moira Stalker of FDF Scotland
Scottish Food & Drink Ambassadors bring the sector to life talking about everyday experiences at careers events, classroom lessons, site visit, STEM-focused events and workshops for teachers and career influencers.
They all have their own stories and here we shine the career spotlight on Moira Stalker, skills manager at FDF Scotland (Food & Drink Federation) and a driving force in the industry.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
I recently appeared on Albanian news, I was there on holiday and was interviewed by their national news channel who were asking tourists what they thought of Albania.
Tell us about your careers journey so far
I left school and studied Textile Technology in Galashiels. It’s now part of Heriot Watt University but back then it was called Scottish College of Textiles or, locally, the “Woolly Tech”.
I worked in the textile industry for several years as an Industrial Engineer, before moving back to Scotland to work for Jaeger Clothing. Then a stint working for SQA led to working in skills training and consultancy, a lot of which was in the food & drink sector.
I was then approached by FDF Scotland to deliver a project about promoting the food and drink industry as a career destination of choice. I have been with FDF Scotland for over 15 years and this role has grown and evolved and now I am leading on the delivery of part of a Scotland-wide industry strategy about people and skills. Every day is different, and I love my job.
“Planning and prioritising are really important in my role, I work with a lot of different people and organisations and as I manage my own workload I have to ensure that I meet deadlines, these can be self-imposed or fit with other people’s priorities. ”
“We want potential recruits to understand that food and drink is about developing new products, ensuring food safety, engineering, purchasing, sales, logistics and so much more...”
What was your favourite subject in school and why?
English was my favourite subject at school. I particularly loved literature and reading. Discovering different authors and learning about different styles of writing and finding connections between history and present day issues.
I also enjoyed writing stories as you could let your imagination run free, but I also enjoyed learning about the impact that language can have on the reader or the person you are speaking to. I really enjoy listening to articulate communicators; it’s a skill I am always happy to develop.
What subjects/qualifications/skills are useful for your role?
Planning and prioritising are really important in my role, I work with a lot of different people and organisations and as I manage my own workload I have to ensure that I meet deadlines, these can be self-imposed or fit with other people’s priorities.
Communication skills, verbal and written, are crucial. I meet a lot of people in my role and much of my work is built on trust and partnerships, so I have to be clear about what I do, what support or input I require and why we should work together. I also have to develop good working relationships.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I have just finished a large piece of work, working with partner organisations to undertake a research project to develop a Skills Action Plan for the food and drink industry in Scotland.
I worked with key partners to write the brief, identify the consultants to undertake the research and collaborate with all of these people to ensure the final report and plan was developed and delivered.
Throughout this process we have had many meetings with the consultants and key partner organisations. During these we have reviewed progress, provided input and feedback and made changes when required. A key part of the process was engaging with the industry to facilitate introductions between key industry partenrs and the consultants.
Managing this process from inception to final product, delivered on time and in budget was very satisfying.
What is a normal day in your role like?
I don’t really have a “normal” day as I am lucky enough to manage my own workload and diary.
A Monday is probably the most structured day I have; we have a team meeting at 9 am every Monday, where the Scotland team catch up on what we did in the previous week and what our plans are for the coming week. This includes sharing insights and “wins”. We then have an organisation-wide meeting later on for similar purposes when all the teams across FDF share their activities, updates and insights. And then it’s onto my own workload.
I might have meetings either online or in person or I might have to report to my funders on what I have achieved and what progress is being made to deliver our Skills Action Plan.
But every day is different, which keeps it interesting!
And what does your job title mean?
My job title means I am responsible for delivering a Skills Action Plan on behalf of the Food and Drink sector in Scotland. It means I work with partners to ensure we are working together to achieve this outcome.
I need to understand new developments and changes that are happening across skills organisations and Government in Scotland and the UK and how these will impact the food and drink sector.
I also report back to the Scottish Government on what progress is being made to support delivery of skills development in food and drink.
Can you suggest an activity that could be done at home that illustrates an aspect of your work?
A key part of my work is promoting the food and drink industry to potential recruits, sometimes at careers events but also online.
We want potential recruits to understand that food and drink is about developing new products, ensuring food safety, engineering, purchasing, sales, logistics and so much more.
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