Meet Caroline Noonan - Product Manager for Johnsons Workwear

Caroline has worked at Johnsons for nearly three years and has a wealth of experience within the textiles and workwear industry.

We sat down with her and found out what her role entails, her other interests and how she sees the future of the textiles industry.

How did you get into the workwear industry?

I first started by making my own clothes and then went on to study fashion. I secured a work placement for a company called Remploy who supplied the military. That was the end of fashion and the beginning of my workwear career!

Talk us through an average day in your role?

My days are very varied, I’m either travelling to see suppliers or colleagues figuring out which is the most suitable garment for individual businesses, looking for new fabrics or researching gaps in the workwear market.

What is your favourite part of your role as Product Manager?

I love that no two days are the same and the fact that I get to meet lots of people. I also enjoy having close involvement with our products, regularly liaising on a manufacturing level with our suppliers and having the opportunity to shop for new products.

What is the highlight of your career so far?

I would have to say the amount of travelling I have done. I’ve been to so many amazing countries that I would never have been to if it wasn’t for my job, such as Brunei and Kuwait!

I would also say a proud moment for me was winning Business from the Australian Defense Force after just 3 months with a new company. They had never produced this product before, so it was a huge learning curve for the whole business, but we manage it, the staff were so talented and learnt quickly.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Like most people, I like to relax, but I do also try to keep fit by running, just getting out there on tracks and fields is so refreshing. I am planning on doing my first marathon in April this year, so I’m currently building up my fitness to get ready for that.

Why do you like working at Johnsons Workwear?

It has got to be the people. As soon as I joined, I found everyone to be so supportive. I get to work with colleagues right across the business, and everyone is brilliant.

What kinds of trends do you think we will see in the workwear industry over the next few years?

I think we will see more and more stretch fabric, which offers comfort. The work force is now accepting that you can be comfortable and conduct your day-to-day duties.

If you could do any other job, what would you do?

I would love to be a Personal Trainer, I really like the idea of training and keeping fit while you earn, which is a win-win!