Choanne Bailey Kidd: Planning, strategising, leading

CHOANNE Bailey Kidd is the senior manager information technology & inventory at ARC Manufacturing. She has been with the company 12 years full-time, and has a master’s in computer-based management information system. She manages a team of seven, and shares details of her work, and being a female leader.

Q: How would you introduce yourself to the world?

A: I am a simple person who loves the Lord and my family, which comprises my husband and two sons. I am humble and strive to be authentic at all times, contributing to me wearing my signature ear-to-ear smile most of the time.

Professionally, I have garnered over 28 years of experience across functional areas, including information technology, inventory, human resource management, procurement, receivables management, and international business. This has enabled me to have a sound understanding of business processes, enhancing my ability to add value by identifying problems, finding solutions, and implementing them to improve efficiencies.

Q: Describe the work that you do.

A: I have overall responsibility for the information technology and inventory departments at ARC. This involves planning, strategising, and leading each team to achieve their respective key performance indicators and defined objectives. Information technology management includes the identification, recommendation, acquisition, and implementation of systems to enable efficiencies and continued growth. Additionally, I implement network and cybersecurity solutions to support business continuity and risk mitigation, and provide user support and training in the use of functional systems.

On the other hand, another crucial aspect of my role entails overseeing all aspects of our inventory to ensure its accuracy in the inventory management system, which guides the decision of other departments. There is a delicate balance between product availability for our customers’ demands while minimising costs linked to excess stock which requires a strategic approach, utilising technology and data to make informed decisions. I also focus on collaborating with various teams to ensure timeliness and accuracy of inventory-related transactions.

Q: What qualifications are required for the work that you do?

A: At minimum, a BSC in Information Technology

Q: Describe a typical day on the job.

A: A typical day involves liaising with my team on objectives while providing support and guidance. I also work extensively across departments and with external consultants to overcome teething pains from new systems implemented, testing functions, maintaining systems and following through to resolution/satisfaction.

Q: How do you see yourself leading the way in the industry?

A: I see myself leading the way by continuing to find and implement solutions to improve efficiencies to improve ARC’s competitive edge, while reducing costs.

Q: How important is effective leadership in your industry?

A: I operate in an extremely competitive industry. With that, effective leadership is paramount as it is required to empower teams to be more effective, productive and innovative. Not only does this lead to the growth of the company, but also its human resources.

Q: How do you define success?

A: Success for me is achieving my goals and objectives while having a positive impact on other persons lives and finding enjoyment in what I do.

Q: What would you say is the root of your resilience?

A: The root of my resilience comes from my journey as a Christian and is guided by two scriptures in the Bible:

• Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” as this allows me not to limit myself and think negatively;

• Philippians 4:11: “For I have learned whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content,” as this allows me to find peace even in tumult.

Q: Tell us about a work project you’re most proud of, and why.

A: A work project I am most proud of was the implementation of systems for the opening of a new branch in Montego Bay in 2014. It involved a small team to do acquisition, configuration and implementation of servers, networking infrastructure, computers, POS systems, databases for B2B transactions and site-to-site VPN which were completed on time and within budget. Tiring but satisfied at completion…

Q: What do you love most about your work?

A: I enjoy finding solutions to problems, teaching and most importantly, seeing the growth of my persons I oversee.

Q: What was your first job?

A: My first job was as a programmer analyst at InfoTech & Controls Ltd.

Q: What is your advice to young people to succeed in a career in your field?

A: Success in this field requires a balance of education and experience. It requires hard work and grit in order to ensure consistent growth.