Colleague Spotlight: Ian Scobie, Lead Product Manager
What is your role at The Tibbetts Group?
“As Lead Product Manager at TGL, my role can vary greatly. My responsibilities include looking at RFQs (Request For Quotation), range extensions, new product groups, assisting with customer queries, or updating our catalogue systems.
“We use TecDoc for cataloguing our RYMEC range of clutch and transmission components. It’s a really intuitive, comprehensive tool which I update with images, reference numbers, vehicle technical data, and the technical bulletins which our customers rely on worldwide.”
How long have you worked at The Tibbetts Group?
“I recently celebrated my 12th anniversary at TGL.
“Over that period, I’ve seen TGL really consolidate our position as a market leader for quality clutch products.”
What is your favourite aspect of your role?
“When we bring a new product into range, or introduce a new product group, it’s really satisfying to then see it become a popular seller.
“Most recently with our new Clutch Hydraulics, it’s great to see the many months of hard work which our Technical team invested then turn into sales.”
Are there any significant projects which you are currently working on?
“We’re always working on something! What I will say is, if people keep up with our social media content, they will find out what we are working on and our future plans.”
Have you worked in this role throughout your career?
“I’ve worked in the automotive industry for most of my career, and I’ve always held a strong interest in engineering.
“After school, my first role I became an Apprentice Precision Engineer. I decided that wasn’t quite the right path for me, but that strong attention to detail which that role required is one of my biggest traits today.
“After finishing my apprenticeship, I held several Analyst and Product Management roles, working with automotive products. Then since 2013, I have enjoyed being a part of TGL and seeing the wider growth of The Tibbetts Group.”
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
“I enjoy keeping busy at home, whether that is DIY, gardening, or walking the dog. I also really enjoy watching sport, particularly football. I’m probably as busy at home as I am at work!”
Do you have a particularly interesting hobby?
“I used to practice photography, using proper film. I’ve got a good digital camera at home, and I do mean to pick that up and start using it again.”
Do you follow a sports team?
“Yes – the mighty amber army, Cambridge United!
“My family team is actually Aston Villa, but back in the day, you couldn’t get into Villa Park as it was sold out. So, when I picked a random team in the fourth division to represent when playing football as a kid, it was Cambridge.
“One Saturday when I was bored, I thought I’d go and watch them, and it was the worst game of football in my life. But I stuck with them, and now I go to their games home and away.”
What is your favourite film or television genre?
“I really like reality television, like Hunted and Race Across The World. Those programmes give me ideas of where to visit in future.”
What’s your favourite holiday destination?
“So far, Sri Lanka. It’s so diverse and scenic, driving through the winding roads in the mountains. Then there’s the wildlife – you’ve got elephants, leopards, turtles, and more. I absolutely loved my time there.”
What’s something that you’ve always wanted to try or learn?
“I want to try racing truck driving. Everyone says that they want to drive a racing car around Silverstone, but I want to drive a truck. Driving around in something which weighs tonnes at about 100mph would be brilliant.”