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25

Jun

26

Meet the Team – Robbie Williams

In our latest instalment of our Meet the Team series, we’re sitting down with our Compliance Manager, Robbie Williams – and before you ask, no… not that Robbie Williams!

Robbie has been part of the Newmor team for almost four years, bringing with him a wealth of experience in quality, health & safety, and environmental management, leading compliance across internationally recognised standards, driving continuous improvement and supporting wellbeing initiatives across the business. Robbie plays a key role in helping Newmor operate sustainably and to the highest standards.

With a career that began on the shop floor as a mechanical engineering apprentice, Robbie has hands-on experience and a passion for getting things right. In this interview, we sat down with Robbie as he shared more about his role and the mindset that shapes both his work and life outside of Newmor.

Name: Robbie Williams

Time at Newmor:

3 Years 8 months

What is your role at Newmor, and what does a typical day look like for you?

As Compliance Manager at Newmor, the best part of my job is that no two days — or even hours — are the same. One moment I’m reviewing international standards or analysing performance data, and the next I’m on the shop floor working with the team to solve a problem or improve a process.

My role is all about making sure we do the right things, the right way — safely, sustainably, and to the highest standards. I oversee our compliance with frameworks such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, while setting the direction for our annual objectives and continuous improvement plans.

I’m fortunate to lead a highly skilled team of three technical specialists. A big part of my day is spent supporting, coaching, and empowering them to perform at their best. Together, we drive improvements across the business and ensure Newmor not only meets expectations but consistently raises the bar.

Communication sits at the heart of everything I do — influencing decisions at board level, collaborating across departments, and building strong relationships throughout the business. Ultimately, my focus is simple: protect the integrity of the company, help it grow responsibly, and enjoy the challenge along the way.

Tell us about your journey at Newmor: where did you start, and how did you end up in your role today?

My journey began back in the late 1990s when I completed an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering. I started on the shop floor as a technician, which gave me a solid grounding in how things work in the real world. Over time, I naturally progressed into quality, eventually becoming Chief Quality Inspector in the 2000s — the point where I discovered my passion for standards, continuous improvement, and getting things right first time.

In 2019, I moved into a more integrated role covering quality, health & safety, and environmental management. Since then, I’ve worked across sectors from oil and gas to automotive, building management systems that genuinely help businesses improve, become more efficient, and operate more sustainably. I’ve also led projects focused on production improvements and leaner processes.

But the biggest part of my journey isn’t systems or standards — it’s people. I’ve always believed success comes from building strong relationships, listening to the challenges teams face, and supporting them to find practical solutions. That belief is what brought me into my current role at Newmor and continues to drive me every day.

Is there a moment in your career here that stands out that you’re particularly proud of?

There are several, but the standout moment has to be Newmor winning the Make UK Wales Regional Health, Safety & Wellbeing Award in 2025.

Since joining the business, I’ve worked with the team to evolve our approach to health, safety, and wellbeing — not as a tick‑box exercise, but as a culture built on listening, support, and shared responsibility. That’s where real change happens.

A big part of this has been introducing initiatives around wellbeing and community engagement. Over the past few years, we’ve organised charity events, hikes, walks, and challenges — all aimed at bringing people together while supporting causes like Ponthafren. Seeing colleagues get involved, support each other, and raise money for mental health has been a real highlight.

Winning the award was a reflection of that collective effort. It belonged to the whole team — our HSEQ champions, my compliance team, and everyone across the business who engaged with our initiatives.

I’m also proud of implementing systems like ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 across the businesses I’ve worked for, strengthening day‑to‑day operations. But achievements like the Make UK award mean the most because they’re about people and culture, not just processes.

What’s one thing your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?

First and foremost, I’m a father to three boys — Finley, Joshua, and Jacob. That’s the role that matters most. It’s about setting the example, building positive habits, and helping them understand that setbacks aren’t failures — they’re opportunities to grow.

Something that reflects that mindset is my interest in Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. It’s a reminder that imperfections and challenges shape who we become.

That belief carries into everything I do, at home and at work. I don’t see problems as negatives — I see them as chances to improve, adapt, and come back stronger. For me, it’s about creating a culture where people feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow.

Favourite Place – Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia is my favourite place. The mix of challenge and scenery is hard to beat. The climbs aren’t easy, but that’s the point — the effort, repetition, and quiet determination ground you. You always come back clearer, stronger, and ready for the next challenge.

Favourite Activity – Keeping Fit
Keeping fit is part of who I am. I’m in the gym most weekdays and spend as much time as I can walking or hiking. It’s not just physical — it builds discipline, resilience, and mental clarity. Simple rules: lift, walk, get outside. Step out of your head and into your body — everything feels clearer from there.

Favourite Hobby – Football & Family Time
I’m a season ticket holder at Liverpool Football club, so Anfield is a second home. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is more than an anthem — it’s a mindset I live by. I’m calm under pressure in most situations, but Liverpool matches are one thing that truly test my composure. Away from football, it’s family first: watching my youngest two play rugby and getting out hiking with my eldest. Those are the moments that really matter.

 

A huge thank you to Robbie for taking part in this instalment of our Meet the Team series, and for sharing his Newmor journey with us! Keep an eye out for further Meet The Team instalments.

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