Meet the team – Danny Shiels

Danny has worked for seventeen years in the packaging and contract manufacturing sector.  Having previously been Head of Manufacturing and then Head of Operations at BlueSky, Danny brings a wealth of experience and intricate knowledge to the role, along with a fervour that is both inspiring and necessary to meet the dynamic nature of the business.

Read on to find out more about Danny…

How did you come to work at BlueSky?

I was a customer of BlueSky’s for over twelve years before joining the team so already had a feel for how great the company was. We had a shared vision about BlueSky evolving to offer contract manufacturing, as well as packaging services, and after meeting the team it was an easy decision to join BlueSky.

What is​ your role at BlueSky?

I joined BlueSky as Head of Manufacturing and then moved into the Head of Operations role in October 2021, where I had responsibility for Quality, Logistics, Warehousing and Manufacturing. More recently I have moved into the Head of Sales role to support our sales effort across the two arms of the business, packaging and contract manufacturing.

How would you describe your typical workday?

I usually arrive at the office around 6:15am, I enjoy a little quiet time before the team arrive to get focused for the day ahead and devour a coffee or two. My day is quite varied, as the Sales team overlaps with others. This can mean collaborating with customers on projects, with our Supply Chain team on packaging NPD, the Technical team on our latest formula developments, or with Marketing on campaigns.

What is the best thing about your role?

Our team. We have a fantastic team at BlueSky who work together and have a real desire and commitment to get things done to achieve results. They are always learning and striving to do more. I am also very customer-driven and enjoy the hands-on element of sales, including customer visits.

What is your motivation?

From a personal perspective, my main motivator is my family. From a professional perspective, it is ensuring we are an integral partner to our customers.

 What are your hobbies?

I enjoy walking, with frequent trips to the Lake District, Peak District and more locally; I can often be seen rambling around Leeds. I have a love for travelling and enjoy visiting new places, either with work or with my family. Also, I have a little love for a small football team in Yorkshire – Leeds United.

What is your favourite memory or achievement at BlueSky?

Sadly, some years ago we lost an important member of our team, and he was integral to my decision to join BlueSky, so my favourite achievement has been to deliver his aspiration for BlueSky, which was to leverage our position in packaging, and extend into contract manufacturing, to offer a fully integrated end-to-end service.

What would you be doing if you weren’t doing this?

A professional footballer if I was 20 years younger! Jokes aside, my career has always involved manufacturing and packaging, but I think if I were not doing this then I would like to be in a more consultative role.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself

Manufacturing and packaging were never the plan. While growing up and throughout my education I only had one dream which was to become a chef.