From Production Management to Tyre Fitting – Meet Jamie Manson
In this month’s Meet the TRG Team, we’re introducing Jamie Manson, who joined TRG three months ago and is already making his mark at Roy Hill with Crew 1. With a background in production management and labour hire in New Zealand, Jamie has transitioned into the tyre industry, bringing with him a wealth of leadership and mentoring experience.
In this Q&A, he shares why he chose a career in OTR tyre management, what excites him about the industry, and how he’s looking forward to growing his skills while contributing to TRG’s culture and goals.
1. What inspired you to join TRG, and what excites you most about your new role?
I was inspired by the strong relationships within the management team and knew it was a great group to be part of. I’m excited to see where TRG can go and what the team will achieve in the tyre industry.
2. Can you share a bit about your professional background and experience in the industry?
I spent most of my career in an abattoir, which is a large meat processing facility. I became a supervisor there at the age of 22, and by 32, I was the production manager for the entire plant. After that, I moved into labour hire, focusing on management and mentoring. Eventually, I began looking for opportunities outside of New Zealand and came across a tyre training traineeship. After doing my research, I saw it as a strong career path and decided to pursue it.
3. What motivated you to pursue a career in OTR Tyre Management?
Once I researched tyre fitting, it looked like an exciting industry to join. I was drawn to the physical, hands-on work and the variety it offered. It didn’t look boring or like it was just about changing tyres. It seemed like a great opportunity to not only build a career in tyres but also to explore broader opportunities within the mining industry.
4. How do you plan to contribute to TRG’s mission and goals in your new role?
To ensure full adherence to the rules and regulations on the mine site we work for, while also building strong relationships with the people and clients we collaborate with.
5. What do you hope to achieve or accomplish during your time with TRG?
I hope to gain more experience across a wider range of tyre fitting, working with different equipment and trucks. Each site offers something different in terms of the equipment and tyres used, which makes every location a valuable learning opportunity.
6. Can you describe a project or achievement from your previous experience that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m proud of myself for completing my Certificate II in Tyre Fitting within eight months. The course was extremely challenging, requiring me to complete 14 different units of competency. I successfully passed all of them, both theory and practical, and gained experience across all vehicles and trucks, including mob changes and pit permits.
7. What attracted you to TRG as an employer, and what sets it apart from other companies in the industry?
What attracted me to TRG was definitely the way it is run and the strong experience and relationships the managers have across the tyre industry. I was also attracted to the opportunity to work at different mine sites. I used to work at Christmas Creek and decided to give Roy Hill a try, and I’m really happy working on Crew 1.
8. How do you plan to collaborate with your new colleagues and team members at TRG?
I plan to collaborate with a positive outlook. I make the effort to connect with every person I cross paths with. I take the time to learn about their interests, their involvement at work, and a bit about their life, as I believe that’s the best way to really get to know someone.
9. What do you hope to learn or develop professionally while working at TRG?
I’d like to learn how the tyre plan works at Roy Hill to gain a better understanding of tyre life and the overall management of tyres. I’m particularly interested in the figures and data behind tyre management, as well as the problem-solving aspect, and I’d like to explore this further.
10. Is there anything else you’d like to share with the TRG community or LinkedIn audience about yourself or your aspirations?
I’m fairly new to the tyre industry, but I bring a strong background in leadership, mentoring, and supporting people to perform at their best. My true passion lies in developing individuals and teams to reach their full potential.
