CANDICE MITCHELL’S JOURNEY TO GM

Berry Astrapak welcomes Candice Mitchell as General Manager to Consupaq, one of the company’s moulding manufacturing sites based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.  

Starting at Consupaq in 2007, Candice began her journey working in the creditor’s department. In this environment, she grew and learned the financial fundamentals of the company. The experience gained from this department kick-started her career at Consupaq.

Later, Candice moved to the sales team and then into the supply chain team at the time when Astrapak acquired Consupaq and the JSE-listed company formalised the supply chain function. Since this function has a complex interface with most of the workings in the factory, Candice gained a vast understanding of the day-to-day operations.

Thanks to her diverse background, Candice has a solid understanding of the various aspects in the factory, and this placed her in the perfect position to step into the GM role in October 2020.

“Going into the GM position, I knew I had sufficient knowledge and experience of a number of interfaces in the factory that happen to overlap with the managerial role. One of the new aspects is the technical background, which involves dealing with maintenance and other behind-the-scenes action that adds more complexity,” explained Candice.

Candice is adjusting to the new dynamic and learning to balance all the elements associated with this recent change. Although it will take time to learn the jargon and technical information, she is well on her way.

“Before I know it, I’ll be there. I’ve got the foundation and it’s something that can be built on and strengthened. I’ve got to own it now.”

Being the first female GM in the Group has been a significant shift for the company and for Candice.

“I love the idea that I’m the first female GM. I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m taking it as a challenge. I hope to make a success of it and become an inspiration to the women at other sites as this position has historically been a male-dominant role,” Candice said.

As for the year ahead, Candice and her team will continue to drive efficiencies and maintain the correct protocols that are in place.