Testimonials

Interview with Vincent McGrath -  Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Foundation delegate

Vincent McGrath is a Pensioner Payroll and Cash Management Team Manager at Hymans Robertson in Glasgow.

Hymans Robertson specialise in advisory and management services to the occupational pensions market in both the private and public sectors, they provide all the core services you would expect, such as investment and actuarial consultancy, pension scheme design and management, and third party administration.

Vincent is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Foundation delegate, having trained with SigmaPro in 2010.

We talked to Vincent to find out more about what he does.

HOW HAS THE LEAN SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT FOUNDATION PROGRAMME HELPED YOU IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

As well as new techniques and tools, in particular the course also helped with the ‘language’ of improvement. Many things I knew instinctively to be true and correct could now be described in understandable terms and clearly demonstrated as beneficial, and the way SigmaPro describe is concise and in a meaningful term.

VINCENT, WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL?

On a day to day basis it involves overseeing the processing of a multi-client Pensioner Payroll using an integrated administration workflow system, and also a multi-client Cashier Service using ‘manual procedures’.

A key part of the role involves business process improvement and workflow design, and the key reason for undertaking Lean Six Sigma Green Belt programme.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS JOB?

I started 15 years ago in a Offices Service role, before moving to Finance Department. Specialising in projects including process design and system implementations. I then moved to Third Party Administration about 6 years ago to implement a Centralised Cashier Service, which was then expanded to incorporate the Pensioner Payroll function.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY AT SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY?

I gained Highers in Maths, English, Accounting and Chemistry. No University, but was soon working as Warehouse and Transport Supervisor for a ‘Sheltered Workshop’ charitable organisation, providing training and support for people with special needs. I took a year out to study healthcare and then 4 years with a charitable foundation as a Building Development Contractor gaining extensive plastering and decorating experience.

WHAT DO YOU MOST LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I enjoy process improvement. I get great satisfaction from finding ways to improve what we do, either in quality service or efficiency of effort.

HAS THE RECESSION AFFECTED YOU?

Not in a personal way as thankfully my employment has remained secure. However, all across the Financial Services sector professional fees are being pressed down, and so its efficiency becomes vitally important in achieving the required savings.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS GOING FORWARD?

We have an on-going ‘efficiency’ project which has the potential to deliver significant benefits in terms of quality of service and profitability, and Lean Six Sigma techniques will be featuring prominently in my approach.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX?

An hour in the gym most nights, Table Tennis (Competitive West of Scotland 2nd Division at present), reading- serious philosophical (see below) as well as the odd Dan Brown-type easy reading with a glass of wine.

WHO'S BEEN MOST INFLUENTIAL IN YOUR LIFE?

An author from the early 20th Century, Oscar Ernst Bernhardt (pen-name Abd-ru-shin). Complete change in outlook to life after coming across his writings (main work “In the Light of Truth”, the Grail Message) a remarkable and striking philosophy covering all aspects of human endeavour. I find it evidenced in day to day life, including in many of the Lean Six Sigma ‘philosophies’.

FAVOURITE PLACE

Vomperberg, Mountain Plateau in the Austrian Tirol where I lived for just under a year it was bliss!

FAVOURITE FOOD

Recently re-discovered a love of fish. Favorite at the moment is River Cobbler, with rice and salad preferably.

BEST MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE

Quite a few of these as I take pleasure in simple things. However, meeting my second wife is up there, but finding the key to understanding the serious questions of life has to remain a true Eureka! moment which has determined all future paths since that point.

MOST SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF

I am much quieter than some people think, I just seem to talk a lot because I’m enthusiastic about whatever I choose to do!

Vincent, we thank you for your time and wish you and Hymans Robertson all the best for your future.