Careers at Crane Building Services & Utilities

Raveena Ramamoorthy,

Graduate Engineer

Early in my life I dreamt of becoming a Doctor, but then moved towards Engineering and did my Bachelors’ degree in Electronics and Communication in Chennai, India.

After a short period of time working in a recruitment firm, I learned of the work being done by engineers on the subject of sustainability and this was a real turning point for me. I decided to leave India, and I came to the UK to study for a Masters’ Degree in Management and Corporate Sustainability.

At a Careers event I made my way over to the Crane Building Services and Utilities Stand and I was immediately attracted to the philosophy and culture of the Crane business.

Two years on, I haven’t looked back. I work in a busy engineering team, helping to ensure that we consider the compliance and sustainability aspects of our entire organisation. I really love that my role enables me to collaborate with colleagues from all across the business and this has helped me continue to grow personally and professionally. I remain ambitious for the future, and I look forward to a long and prosperous career within the Crane family.

In my spare time I have challenged myself with learning mandarin so every day really is a school day.

Richard Burgess

Technical Support Manager

Growing up I just seemed to be good at Maths, so I continued with that, adding Physics later, before moving on to do Engineering at Brunel University, through to the completion of my Masters in 2012.

As I finished university I was pointed towards Crane by my University careers office, and I was fortunate enough to join Crane BSU in 2012 as a Graduate Production Engineer.

After some time in Manufacturing, I moved into the Design Engineering team and was then promoted to Senior Design Engineer in 2020.

In 2024 I was promoted to Technical Support Manager for the UK, where I am able to use my technical and product knowledge in a more customer facing capacity across both our Water and Gas businesses. Every week is different and I love being able to help our customers by sharing with them my understanding of our products and how they can be used in the field to solve customer problems.

I’ve continued to build on my technical knowledge since I joined Crane as well as being supported through my Team Leader apprenticeship.

I am looking forward to continuing to support the business and my continued personal development.

Chris Gray

President

Growing up, I was always fascinated by how things worked and spent much of my time building and fixing mechanical things. I gravitated towards Maths and Physics through school and then went on to study Engineering and Manufacturing Systems at Bristol University.

During my degree I was able to spend a summer working at GKN and once my studies were complete, I was fortunate enough to join their Graduate program which gave me the opportunity to gain experiences across many areas of the business.

After a couple of years rotating through different roles and departments, GKN gave me the opportunity to relocate to the USA to get my first supervisory role, leading a team of 30 production operators on a night shift in Pennsylvania.

After 12 years with GKN, I was looking for a fresh challenge with a business that had a rich history and a highly regarded portfolio of products. Crane ticked all the boxes, and I was delighted to join Crane in 2012 as Value Stream Leader for our Water Small Products team in Hitchin. I was later given the chance to work on Project Everest which involved the movement of all production machines and processes from a facility in St Helens into Hitchin. The project was a real challenge but a great experience and got me involved in all aspects of the business.

I applied for the Site Leader role unsuccessfully on two occasions before securing the role in 2016, and then became VP of Operations, Quality and HSE in 2019 and President in 2023. Throughout my time at Crane, I have been challenged and supported in equal measure, and I continue to embrace every opportunity that comes my way.

What I have enjoyed most throughout my career is working with talented people, solving challenges, and seeing teams achieve more than they thought possible. When I am not working, I enjoy keeping fit and spending time with my wife and our two boys.

Neil Gibson

Technical Director

I grew up in Dumfries in South West Scotland and always had a natural interest in Maths and Physics. That led me to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, where I completed my Master’s degree. Interestingly, my twin brother chose a very similar path, studying engineering at the University of Glasgow — so it’s fair to say it runs in our genes, despite our parents working in the whisky industry.

After graduating, I started applying for graduate roles and, as I wasn’t tied to a particular location, I focused on opportunities further south. I interviewed for a number of roles around Suffolk, including a six-month placement at Crane. While I was fortunate to receive a few offers, Crane offered me a permanent role, which made the decision easy. I moved to Ipswich on the Friday and started the following Monday.

My career at Crane began on the Graduate Programme, where I gained exposure to a wide range of areas across the business. One highlight was visiting our former St Helens site, where I cast a bronze dolphin — which still sits on my desk at home.

During the programme, I was also fortunate to travel internationally, including visits to Abu Dhabi and Suzhou.

After completing the Graduate Programme, I discovered a real passion for customer interaction and sales, which led me to move into a Technical Sales Manager role. My journey at Crane has now come full circle, and I’m currently working alongside the Engineering team as Technical Director. It’s a highly rewarding role, and I’m fortunate to work with such a fantastic team.

Crane has given me so many opportunities to learn and develop throughout my career. One area where I’ve seen a huge improvement is my presentation skills. I used to dread presenting and would rush through them as quickly as possible just to get them over with. Now, while I still get a little nervous beforehand, I’m much more confident standing in front of people and delivering a presentation. It’s definitely helped build my confidence and character.

Crane is a very welcoming, inclusive, people focused company and I’m proud to work here.

Sam Ellis

Specification Support Engineer

I was born and raised in Suffolk and, after completing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Warwick, began my career as a Design Engineer at Ransomes, where I worked on hydraulic systems. Wanting to remain local, I was excited when an opportunity arose to join Crane in 2022 as a Design Engineer.

I initially worked on NABIC safety valves, spending three and a half years building my technical knowledge and gaining a strong understanding of our products and systems. That experience provided the perfect foundation for my current role as Specification Support Engineer.

My role is incredibly varied and combines technical support, customer training, site visits and delivering CPD presentations. I also spend a lot of time working on sustainability projects, particularly around understanding and reporting the carbon footprint of our products. One of my biggest achievements at Crane has been producing carbon footprint reports for our full product range. This has been a significant amount of work but has now allowed us to satisfy and support our customers in a timely manner, whilst understanding the impact our products have.

Crane has played a huge part in my development. I was fortunate to attend several external training courses, which have helped me grow both personally and professionally. Starting my career within the Design Engineering team gave me a valuable understanding of our products and enabled me to progress into my current role.

One of the things I enjoy most about working at Crane is the welcoming culture. The New Starter Induction programme gave me a great introduction to every department and helped me quickly understand how the business operates. I’m also an active member of the Social Committee, which has allowed me to work with colleagues from across the company and build relationships outside of my day-to-day role. For me, the people are one of the best things about working here.

What I enjoy most about my department is that we’re responsible for designing the products that Crane sells. It’s a key part of the business, and it’s rewarding to know the work we do has a real impact.

Looking ahead, I’d like to move into a leadership role and manage my own team. With new innovations and exciting developments on the horizon, the future is looking very positive.

Swastik Naik

IT Network Security Engineer

Growing up in Goa, India, I completed my Bachelor’s degree before a family holiday to Europe inspired me to explore studying abroad. After researching my options, I chose to pursue a Master’s degree in Cyber Security at the University of Warwick, becoming the first person in my family to undertake higher education overseas.

After graduating in 2021, I began searching for opportunities to build my career in the UK. As I required sponsorship, my options were more limited, and Crane was one of only a handful of companies offering the support I needed. I joined Crane in November on the Graduate Programme and quickly realised it was the right decision.

When I started, my knowledge was largely academic, but the support and experience I’ve gained at Crane have helped me develop both professionally and personally. Working within my department has given me the opportunity to build valuable practical skills and apply what I learned at university in a real-world environment.

One of the highlights of my time at Crane has been completing the Lead Cyber Security Manager Certification, which has strengthened my expertise and confidence. I also take great satisfaction in knowing that my work helps keep the business secure. I’ve enjoyed participating in several Kaizen events, which have allowed me to collaborate with colleagues from across the company, learn new skills and gain a broader understanding of the business.

What stands out most about Crane is its culture. It’s an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is approachable and supportive. As a member of the Social Committee, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know colleagues outside of my day-to-day role and build relationships across different departments. The people here are one of the things I value most, and there’s a real sense of community throughout the company.

Looking ahead, I’d love to progress into a leadership role, leading a team and managing processes. For now, I’m focused on continuing to learn, develop and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

Joining Crane as a graduate has enabled me to grow both professionally and personally in an environment that feels like family and has continually supported my development.

Rocio Medellin

Regional European Sales Manager – Water

My journey with Crane began in 2024, and what an experience it has been!

Originally from the vibrant streets of Mexico City, my path has led me through various roles and industries, from tourism management to owning a language school. Life’s twists and turns guided my family — my husband, our dinosaur enthusiast son, and our two beloved rescue dogs, Happy and Pipopipo — to the green landscapes of Kent, where we have happily lived for several years now.

Upon arriving in the UK, I found myself yearning for a career that allowed me to connect with people, understand their needs, and provide meaningful solutions. This led me into international business development, where I worked with customers across Europe and Asia, selling water management and ventilation solutions. While the challenge was invigorating, I could not ignore the gender and ethnic disparities that existed within the sector. This realisation sparked a strong desire to be part of positive change.

Enter Crane. From the moment I learned about the company and its values, I knew I had found something special. Justice, which sits at the heart of the business, is a principle that resonates deeply with me and serves as a personal golden rule. Joining the team as Regional European Sales Manager – Water, I was welcomed with a warmth that surpassed my expectations.

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the multicultural dimension of both our team and our customer base. We are not simply selling products; we are building relationships. Success comes from understanding cultural nuances and adapting our approach to meet local expectations. This creates stronger partnerships with our customers and helps us work more effectively across the many markets we serve.

Crane has also given me the opportunity to grow. The business is genuinely invested in its people, and I have been fortunate to work alongside supportive managers who have encouraged my development and trusted me with greater responsibility. When I joined Crane I was working with a small number of customers across three countries. Today I have the privilege of supporting customers across 16 countries.

In a world where the lines between work and personal life often blur, I am inspired to serve as a role model not only for my son, but for anyone who finds opportunity in every challenge. As a Mexican immigrant woman, I proudly celebrate my heritage while challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers. My identity shapes my perspectives, experiences, and interactions. It is through embracing and celebrating our differences that we can unlock the full potential of individuals and organisations alike.

Looking ahead, I am excited about what the future holds. I would love to continue building relationships across Europe, supporting our customers, and contributing to the growth of the business. One of my long-term ambitions is to take on a sales leadership role at Crane, where I can contribute to developing future talent and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture, as a way of giving back for the support, guidance, and opportunities I have received from outstanding colleagues and leaders throughout my career.

Outside of work, dogs are definitely my spirit animal! I also love travelling and my family, often bringing ideas and inspiration back home to incorporate into our daily family life.

Sarah Day

VP of Finance & IT

After completing a Maths and English Literature degree at university, I originally planned to become a teacher. However, shortly after graduating I felt I was too inexperienced to teach secondary school students so I joined Crane as a Trainee Accountant. This was intended to be a temporary role until I felt ready for the classroom. What I quickly discovered was a business full of opportunity. Six months after I joined a colleague left and a new finance system was introduced, this opened the door to new challenges and experiences that encouraged me to stay and build my career here.

When I first joined Crane many processes were manual. Some of my responsibilities even included emptying telephone boxes located on our foundry site and handwriting cheques. Over time my role evolved significantly as automation became key and the business placed trust in me and supported my development. I led the implementation of SOX controls, developed multiple improvement initiatives, took on increasingly senior responsibilities and was particularly grateful for the support I received while raising my family — something that was less common in workplaces at the time. That support combined with a culture that recognised hard work and commitment played a major part in my decision to remain with the business.

Although I paused my accountancy studies while my children were young I resumed them in 2013, determined to continue progressing my career and I finally qualified in 2017. Since then, I have held a number of leadership roles, including Financial Accounts Manager, Group FP&A Manager and since 2024 the role of VP of Finance & IT. The people development aspect of my current role is what I enjoy most; being able to mentor and influence and support others as they grow in their careers is incredibly rewarding. Two of my proudest achievements have been receiving the R.T. Crane Leadership Award in 2024 and speaking at Crane Co’s global Leadership Conference in the USA in 2026.

For me Crane’s culture is rooted in a continuous improvement mindset and a willingness to embrace change. I enjoy working here because of the people, our commitment to charitable giving and the fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. With exciting growth initiatives across the business, I’m looking forward to being part of Crane’s continued success.

Paulo Froehner

Vice President/General Manager – Building Services

My journey with Crane began in 2012 after completing my MBA at Cranfield University. Studying alongside professionals from a wide range of industries helped shape my ambition to pursue a general management career in the UK. When I met Crane during a career event, I quickly noticed it was a hidden gem of an organisation to work at.

Born in Brazil in a family with German ancestry, I have a background in Civil Engineering, a passion inspired by my father, who is also an engineer. After gaining experience through studies and an internship in Germany, followed by roles in product management and innovation at Whirlpool, I was looking for an opportunity that combined engineering, commercial responsibility, and strategic thinking. Crane offered exactly that, and I joined the graduate programme as a Business Line Manager for Variable Flow and Safety Valves products.

From the start, I enjoyed working closely with customers, developing growth strategies, and helping shape the future of the business. Over the years, I have held leadership roles across Water, Gas, projects, commercial, and inside sales functions, each providing new opportunities to learn and grow. One of the things I appreciate most about Crane is its commitment to employee development. Throughout my career, I have consistently felt supported in pursuing new challenges and career aspirations, with constructive feedback and development opportunities helping me progress.

In 2018, I stepped into a Vice President/General Manager role, relocating to Ipswich and leading a team of more than 60 people.

What I value most about Crane is its culture. People are ambitious and committed to achieving excellent results, but always with integrity, respect, and a strong customer focus. Challenges are addressed openly, and our CBS process encourages continuous improvement by helping teams learn from issues and prevent them from recurring.

Looking ahead, I am excited by the opportunities for continued growth across our whole business. In Building Services our Connected Solutions range focus on enabling smart and sustainable buildings, whilst our growth in data centres position us well for the future.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through running, boxing, mountain biking, and trips to the gym. I also enjoy playing football with my children, pickleball with friends, and taking on DIY projects at home.

Queenie Bhardwaj

Business Line Manager

Growing up I always knew I wanted to have a professional career and have been fortunate to have parents who have supported me on every step of my journey.

I initially wanted to be an electronics engineer and achieved that at undergraduate level. I was also interested in business and economics so completed my MBA at the University of Delhi. I then joined HSBC on their management trainee programme with roles in strategy, sales and marketing, but in the back of my mind I also wanted to do an MBA abroad. After three years at HSBC, I went to the US to further my education. There was a significant difference in doing the two MBAs. At the University of Michigan, I was part of a diverse group of students and my tutors came from the world of work and not just academia with a strong emphasis on action-based learning. This exposed me to many different cultures and perspectives.

I did an internship with Danaher as part of my MBA studies and was offered a permanent role on their General Management Development Programme rotating through operations, continuous improvement and product management and eventually progressing to Global Product Manager. At this point I had worked in India and the US and wanted to expand that experience to Europe and try something different.

The UK was the most appealing based on culture and language. I have always been a big city girl, having grown up in Delhi and then enjoying my time in New York, so I wanted to be close to London. I was attracted to the continuous improvement mindset and culture at BSU along with the fact that it was an engineering business so applied for the role of Business Line Manager and having had a great experience of Crane at my interview I relocated to the UK.

I enjoy the challenges at Crane, no two days are the same and there is always something new happening. All the while there is immense support from leadership and peers, and knowledge is freely shared. The teams in Hitchin are so diverse with colleagues from many other cultures, and I look forward to developing my career within the business and progressing to more senior roles.

Henna Parekh

Business Analyst

At school I found Business Studies interesting and when I was considering what to study at University I decided I wanted to study something that covered business, accounting and ICT and went to Loughborough University and completed my BSc Hons degree in Information Technology Management for Business. I was especially interested in the impact that IT can have on a business around using data and analytics to drive improvements. Living away from home for the first time was a challenge but I made some good friends who I still meet up with.

My current role at Crane is my first job since graduating and I am enjoying working with the team and having the opportunity to develop cross functional relationships. Crane is a business where I can make connections and is open to change and new ideas. The people are welcoming and I see opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Steve Kandola

Senior Quality Engineer

After leaving school, I completed an apprenticeship as a Fabricator / Welder with Biggs Wall, attending college in Luton on day release. It was a demanding routine, involving three bus journeys each way, and I often did not arrive home until 8.00pm, whilst making sure I fitted in my love for football!

In many ways Viking Johnson as it was known back then was a part of my family. My father worked on the paint oven at Crane for 25 years, and he encouraged me to join him. I joined Crane as a Fabricator/Welder 40 years ago, just five days before my registry office wedding, I have never been one to do things by half. During my time with the company, I have worked across a variety of areas, working on the segment bench, in the fabrication bays, then running the emergency 24-hour service in the fabrication and welding area. then running Lines Coating operations before joining the Quality team in 2007.

Welding has been a passion of mine, I have been known to work on some big projects at home, much to the shock of my wife and daughter. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been helping to train many of the welders who have come through the Hitchin site. I have also been and I am proud of these welders. I have been fortunate to work on several interesting projects, including the introduction of robotic welding, and seeing the constant advancement in these areas is exciting.

In 40 years, there have been many highlights but one of the ones that sticks out the most is the Fish Valve Project in Laos, where we supplied 7 x 4-metre Dismantling Joints as part of a fish pass designed to mitigate the impact of the Mekong River dam on fish migration. Much of this work was carried out externally, and I visited contractors to oversee the quality and manage elements of the project.

I am immensely proud of what we manufacture here in Hitchin and take great satisfaction in seeing our products performing as intended in the field, helping customers and communities around the world.

Lumi Aldridge

Inside Sales Manager

Growing up in the historic city of Brașov, Romania, as the youngest of four children shaped who I am today. For part of my childhood, I lived with my aunt and uncle in a remote village in northern Romania. Looking back, I often reflect on how different my life might have been had I stayed there. Returning to Brașov opened up opportunities that would ultimately shape my future.

Inspired by my older brother, I initially set my sights on joining the Romanian Police Academy. After a year of intensive preparation, I narrowly missed out on securing a place. While it was disappointing at the time, it proved to be a turning point. Instead of letting that setback define me, I redirected my ambitions towards higher education, studying Business Studies while funding my degree myself and juggling several jobs. The experience taught me resilience, strengthened my work ethic, and reinforced my determination to succeed.

After graduating, I joined a global automotive safety company, starting my career in recruitment before moving into Purchasing. Over the years, I progressed from Indirect Buyer to European Commodity Manager and later Purchasing Manager. The role gave me the opportunity to develop expertise in commercial negotiations, supplier management, and international business, while travelling extensively across Europe.

It was during this time that I met my husband, who had relocated to Romania from the company’s Milton Keynes site. After eight years together, we decided to make the move to the UK, where I later stepped away from my career to focus on raising our children.

After seven rewarding years dedicated to bringing up our two children, I began looking for a quiet part-time role to help me ease back into working life. However, life had other plans. I was offered a Tactical Buyer position with Crane, and from that point my career took another exciting turn. I was later promoted to Supply Chain Manager, where I had the privilege of helping the business navigate major challenges including Brexit, Covid-19, the Suez Canal disruption, and the war in Ukraine. While I am proud of what we achieved, I firmly believe our success was only possible because of the incredible team around me.

In June 2025, I took on a new challenge as Inside Sales Manager. Moving into a completely different area of the business has been both rewarding and challenging, giving me the opportunity to broaden my knowledge and develop new skills. I have been fortunate to work with supportive colleagues and a fantastic team who have helped me settle into the role.

Anjeli Deans

Management Accountant

For me, a career at Crane has always been about much more than numbers. It has been a journey of continuous learning, professional development, and personal growth, all within a supportive and welcoming environment.

I was born and raised in Hitchin and have always enjoyed maths and problem-solving. After studying Maths, Business Studies and IT at A Level, I chose to pursue a degree in Accounting and Finance at Birmingham City University, graduating with a First-Class Honours degree. Following university, I joined Crane as an Assistant Accountant, attracted by the company’s strong reputation and family-oriented culture. My father has worked at Crane for more than 30 years, and I had often heard him speak about the friendly atmosphere and supportive people. Five years later, that welcoming culture remains one of the things I value most about working here.

Since joining Crane, I have been encouraged and supported in both my professional and personal development. The company has supported me throughout my studies towards my CIMA qualification, which I am now on the verge of completing. It has been a challenging but rewarding journey that reflects my commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Along the way, I gained valuable experience as an FP&A Accountant before progressing into my current role as Management Accountant. Much of my development has come from the opportunities available across the business. Taking part in Kaizen events has broadened my understanding of different departments and how they operate. It has also allowed me to build relationships across the organisation and gain valuable business knowledge beyond finance. Presenting to the senior leadership team has helped me develop confidence and strengthen my communication skills.

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the variety. No two days are ever the same, and I enjoy seeing how my work contributes to decision-making across the business. For me, accounting is about far more than reporting numbers. It is about identifying trends, providing meaningful insights, and helping the organisation make informed decisions.

Outside of work, I have a passion for travel and creating new memories. As a child, I even considered becoming a pilot. More recently, I enjoyed an unforgettable road trip across America, including watching the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. I also visited Las Vegas and, true to my accountant’s instincts, managed to enjoy the famous slot machines without losing any money!

Looking ahead, I see a long-term future with Crane and hope to continue developing my career while enjoying the teamwork, encouragement, and positive culture that make Crane such a great place to work.

Lucy Gilbert

Commercial Compliance Manager

My career at Crane has been shaped by the opportunities the business provides to learn, develop, and grow over the long term.

After completing my BA (Hons) in International Business with German, I joined Crane and have now built a career spanning more than 22 years. During that time, I have worked in a variety of roles, including Internal Sales, External Sales, and Shipping & Logistics, gaining valuable hands-on experience across multiple areas of the organisation. Each role has given me a broader understanding of the business and helped me develop new skills and perspectives.

Today, I work in Commercial Compliance, where I draw on my operational and commercial experience to support the business in managing risk, maintaining compliance, and driving best practice. The variety of roles I have held throughout my career has given me a strong foundation and a deep appreciation for how different parts of the business work together.

My journey reflects one of the things I value most about Crane: the opportunity to develop from within. Throughout my career, I have been able to explore different functions, broaden my expertise, and continue building a rewarding long-term career while taking on new challenges along the way.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling, and making the most of new experiences. Whether I am exploring somewhere new or simply enjoying time with loved ones, I value balance, connection, and creating lasting memories.

For anyone considering a career at Crane, my experience shows that there are real opportunities to grow and develop. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, Crane offers a supportive environment where you can expand your skills, gain new experiences, and shape your own career path.