Who got that job?

* General manager (electrical/mechanical), Norfolk Electrical & Mechanical

Name: Steve Webster
2002-2005, National Rail Manager, Transfield Services
2000-2003, Business development manager, Transfield Services
1997-2000, Business manager (electrical distribution), Alstom

Q: What were you doing before accepting your new position?

A: General management of the maintenance and maintenance renewals contract for NZ Rail Infrastructure. In 2001 we won the outsourcing opportunity when Tranz Rail decided to outsource non-core operations. The business has 550 people spread from Whangarei to Invercargill delivering across the disciplines of track, structures (bridges and tunnels), signals, overhead electrification, telecommunications and electrical.

Q: Why did you apply for this job?

A: Having lead a first-time outsourcing business for three-and-a-half years with a single client, I was looking for a new challenge. A few offers came from Australia but my partner Jan and I decided not to move. I started looking for a role in Auckland ... Norfolk Electrical & Mechanical provided this. What does your job entail? Leading four companies with four distinct brands. I see my role as a support to the general managers to strengthen our customer service, improve their profitability and then grow market share.

Q: What challenges do you face?

A: The businesses are in the air-conditioning, heating/ventilating, refrigeration and electrical sectors. Each business is well established, has strong brands and operates successfully. These sectors are highly competitive, so a particular challenge is to differentiate yourself from the "pack" by understanding and delivering our customers' requirements. We need to provide benefits to our existing customers.

Q: What else might you have done (alternative career)?

A: My career spans many sectors, therefore the opportunity to lead businesses across different sectors is appealing. I like the challenge of working with people to make a difference. Any alternative career would be with a business that values its people and gives me the opportunity to support individuals to reach their potential.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: Jan and I have three wonderful children, so a great deal of our spare time is taken up in swimming, ice skating, soccer, gymnastics, athletics and tennis. I have just joined a gym again, to enable me to keep up with my growing children.