Lynn Russouw

About you

My career began in the selling of packaging to the Hotel and Restaurant Trade. After being in sales for 10 years, I found myself drawn to Purchasing and Stock control. Throughout the next 20 years I was exposed to electronics, plastic bottle manufacture, International paint manufacturing and the spice packaging trade. I was able in this time, to travel to Norway and the UK, where I received training in Communication skills, Art of Negotiation and Buying Techniques. These skills have been found to be valuable in all aspects of my working career.

My previous employer brought me back to packaging. Here my role was National Stock Control but included purchasing, stock control and numerous administrative functions. One of these functions was to manage the IBL Woolworths Audit of our Management System. I assisted setting up the program and successfully achieved the highest rating. Unfortunately, due to COVID and the declining economic situation, I was retrenched in July 2021. Fortunately, a sister company in our Group, advertised for a Compliance Manager at the same time. Masterpack Cape has now become my home and I hope our journey together is a long and fruitful one.

Outside of work, I am married (29yrs) and have two human children. My other (fur) babies include four dogs and three cats. My husband and I are Confirmation Class Facilitators which add another 13 children to my total. I serve in our Church as a choir member, proclaimer and facilitator.

Why did you join the BRCGS Professional Programme?

I signed up for the programme because I wanted to add to my knowledge and increase my understanding of the BRCGS Standards. Masterpack Cape can gain from my knowledge and can use the programme to assure our customers that we are serious about product safety, quality and legality.

What value do you personally feel the BRCGS Professional certification brings to you?

I believe in leading by example. If I can achieve this status, so can my team. A personal achievement gives confidence in leadership and knowledge earned is easy to share.

How has the training helped improve operations at your site/company?

When I joined Masterpack, I had the administrative and practical experience, but lacked the formal training in BRCGS Standards. The training has allowed me to begin working on improving our current system. Our audit rating will definitely be adjusted, after this training.

What did you most enjoy about the training?

I enjoyed meeting (even if it was via Zoom) other candidates from BRCGS sites. Hearing their implementation of the Standard was interesting and an eye opener.

What are you most looking forward to within the Professional community?

I am looking forward to the additional learning and training opportunities that may be made available.

How do you plan to keep your skills up to date?

I am eager to participate in any form of training, mentoring, attending conferences and events, E-Learning and webinars or third party industry qualifications such as a University Degree.

What are your career ambitions/aims?

My aim is to lead my team and fellow colleagues with confidence in the BRCGS standard, impart my knowledge to the next generation of Masterpackers and to improve our Bidvest Company Profile and become leaders in our industry.