Name: Charlotte Robinson

Job title: Stainless Steel & Special Alloys Trader

Company: ELG Metals UK LTD

What does your job involve?

I have worked within the metal industry for several years now.  Since joining ELG I have been responsible for the purchasing of Stainless Steel scrap and Special Alloys.  Working for ELG UK gives me the flexibility to purchase directly into all of our five UK sites which include Darlaston, Hyde, Barking, Irvine and Sheffield.  I find this offers my suppliers the flexibility they need to themselves operate outside of their immediate geographical area whilst keeping both their logistics costs and carbon footprint to a minimum.

What is the hardest part of your job?

I would have to say that a more challenging aspect of my job is the volatility of the market in which we operate.  Many different factors can drastically affect the scrap prices, sometimes in a short space of time.  Making sure that my suppliers are kept up to date with changes in scrap pricing is something very important to me.

What three things help you to do your job better?

1. As a relative newcomer, working within such an experienced and respected commercial team helps a lot.  My commercial colleagues are always happy to share with me the wealth of their experience, in some cases over 40+ years!
2. Our metal recycling operatives are also second to none.  Their continual hard work and maintained high standards, enable me to offer the prompt turnaround times and fair out-turns that keep our loyal suppliers coming back after so many years.
3. I would say, finally, the brand of ELG Metals UK.  Working for such a long-established business with a huge history of trading, makes it easy for suppliers to feel comfortable selling me their scrap metal. 

What are you most proud of in your career?

As a female working within a sector which is still quite male dominated, I feel extremely proud that I have been so successful in establishing so many trusting relationships with my suppliers.  This is still a people business and relationships are equally as important as fair prices.  I am grateful that suppliers existing or new have all accepted me on my merit.

What are the best and worst things about the metals recycling sector?

By far the best thing about working in this sector is the knowledge that I am contributing to a better future for future generations.  The CO₂ savings from the recycling of Stainless Steel alone are huge.  When I think of the many other CO₂ saving projects and policies operated by ELG, I go home feeling like I am part of the solution rather than the problem.

If I really had to pick a worst thing about working within this industry, I would say that it is you don’t have a crystal ball to show you in which direction the market is going, but if it was that easy everyone would be doing it!

What is the best advice you have ever received?

If you won’t like the answer – then don’t ask the question.

Quick fire round:

•             Out on the town or a night in front of the TV? Out on the town.

•             Coffee or tea? Tea (and biscuits).

•             Winter or Summer? Summer.

•             Marmite – Love/Hate? Hate.

•             Invisibility or Flying? Invisibility.