As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I find myself reflecting on my own journey—a path filled with challenges, growth, and incredible opportunities. My name is Erika Bruzaite, and my career at Finnebrogue began packing sausages and has been one of resilience and determination ever since.
My Journey of Growth and Transformation
I began my career at Finnebrogue in 2010 as a factory floor Production Operator. From the very beginning, I embraced every challenge that came my way, always eager to learn and grow. My roles evolved over the next few years—from Machine Operator to Assistant Supervisor and then Supervisor. Each role equipped me with deeper insights into the manufacturing process, machinery operation, and the critical importance of planning in delivering excellence.
A turning point came in 2014 when I was promoted to Production Planner and tasked with managing a £20 million contract secured with Asda. This project was a game-changer—not just for me, but for Finnebrogue as well. The company’s turnover skyrocketed from £26 million to £46 million almost overnight, and for me, delivering on such a high-stakes project remains one of the proudest milestones of my early career.
Leading the Way in Planning & Strategy
As Finnebrogue experienced exponential growth in the years that followed, I continued to evolve the planning function to support and drive this expansion. My role expanded to Production Planner then Planning Manager, overseeing the entire production planning process and optimising output to meet rising customer demands. With the addition of new sites, and more business, my scope widened; and in 2017, I became Group Planning Manager. Leading planning operations across multiple sites was a challenge, but one I enjoyed and embraced wholeheartedly, developing new systems and processes to optimise efficiency.
Today, as Head of Demand, I oversee demand planning across all four Finnebrogue sites.
Looking back, it’s incredible to think that I started packing sausages in the early days, and now I am responsible for shaping the company’s strategy to meet market demands. My journey has been one of adaptability, strategic thinking, and collaboration—skills I continue to refine every day.
Inspiring Women in Business
I am proud to be an example of what is possible when we embrace challenges, seize opportunities, and persist in our pursuit of excellence. Navigating the complexities of the food industry while expanding my expertise in demand planning, change management, and forecasting has been an incredible experience. And I have been supported and encouraged by Finnebrogue in every step of the way.
On this International Women’s Day, I celebrate not only my journey but also the countless inspiring women at Finnebrogue and beyond who push boundaries and redefine possibilities in the workplace. With passion, determination, and vision, anything is possible—and I am living proof of that.
Support to develop and grow at Finnebrogue
At Finnebrogue, our people are the lifeblood of our business, and we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and advance in their careers. Our People Strategy is centred on creating a workplace that offers enjoyment, growth, and ample opportunities for development. We believe that continuous learning is key to personal and professional growth. And to support this, we have a dedicated Learning & Development team.
We are committed to breaking down barriers and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of our business. Through targeted initiatives, leadership programmes, and a culture that values diverse perspectives, we empower women to excel and lead in their chosen fields.
At Finnebrogue, we recognise that flexibility and work-life balance are essential to fostering a thriving workforce. That’s why we continuously review and adapt our policies to support the needs of our employees, ensuring they can achieve both their personal and professional aspirations. Together, we are building a workplace where talent is nurtured, ambition is encouraged, and everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Finnebrogue became the first UK food producer to achieve the Diversity Mark accreditation in early 2024.
Find out more about career opportunities at Finnebrogue
