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#LoveMySafranJob: “It is an inclusive and supportive culture that has a diverse range of people bringing a variety of ideas and discussions."

Human resources

Shane Madden is Supply Chain Director at Safran Helicopter Engines Australia. Getting to work with a great team locally and throughout the entire company is the thing he loves the most about his job.

portait Shane Madden
Teamwork, trust and collaboration with a continuous improvement mindset, creates a positive environment to work in.
Shane, Safran Helicopter Engines Australia

How long have you worked for Safran Helicopter Engines Australia?  

Coming up to 18 years working at Safran Helicopter Engines Australia.

Where did you start with the company and where have you progressed up to now?

I have been very fortunate to be involved in a number of different positions during my career here. My first role was as a store person, which gave me an understanding of the parts and freight requirements within the business. From there I was given the opportunity to work within the Customer Support Team. I spent twelve years within the team progressing through a number of different roles that included:

•    CSR 

•    Pool Manager 

•    Warranty Manager

•    Corporate Asset Manager (CWB)

These positions provided me with a wide range of experiences and understanding of our market and customers, while working with all departments locally, corporate teams and other front office teams globally, to meet the objectives and targets for the business.

To continue my growth, I moved into the position of Logistics and Warehouse Manager. This was another interesting and exciting position that took me back to where I started my career within the Logistics team. It was a dynamic role that provided me with further experience and knowledge throughout our business. In addition to this role, I also accepted to be the Export Control Officer for our site. I was in the Logistics Manager role until early 2021, which leads me to my current position as the Supply Chain Director. All of these previous positions, along with the support from many colleagues along the way, provided the platform to enable myself to continue to grow throughout the business and provide me with the great opportunity I have today.

What drives and motivates you to progress your career?

Continually challenging myself while gaining knowledge and learning new things from a wide range of diverse people. 

What’s the best thing about your job?

The people I work with is one of the best things about my job. I get to work with a great team locally and throughout the entire company. A job is a job but it is the people you work with that makes it great or not. Also, contributing to the overall success of the business and knowing that we contribute to our customers flying safely are other great things about the job.

What is the culture or vibe of the office and of the company?

It is an inclusive and supportive culture that has a diverse range of people bringing a variety of ideas and discussions. Everyone working together to achieve a common goal; supporting our customers and the Company. Teamwork, trust and collaboration with a continuous improvement mindset, creates a positive environment to work in.

Why do you think people work for so long with Safran?

Safran Helicopter Engines Australia provides a great environment for its employees with excellent working conditions and career progression opportunities. The focus on employee wellbeing and benefits available to all employees are also reasons people stay with the company.  Additionally, even though someone may work in the same position for a number of years, the roles are ever evolving and there is always something new to learn. The continuous improvement mindset of Safran also engages the employees to continue to look for ways to improve how the carry out their work. 

Do you think the industry has changed since you started?

The industry has changed over the years since I have been working here.  For example, there has been greater focus on the environment and the impact that aviation and businesses have on it. Technology is also evolving rapidly and the industry has had to embrace the technological changes and incorporate these into their business practices.