Meet Saad from the Global Graduate Leadership Development Programme

That’s what motivated me to move to Hamburg and do my master’s in Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering at TUHH.

I first came across GESTRA and the wider Spirax Group during an online job fair. What really appealed to me about the Graduate Programme was the chance to work in three different teams, possibly across different business divisions. It felt like a great way to build a broad skill set, stay adaptable, and learn from different perspectives.

Before applying, I reached out to several graduates on the programme via LinkedIn. Everyone had a different story, but they all spoke positively about their experiences - especially the support, learning opportunities, and international exposure. That gave me confidence that this was the right place to grow both professionally and personally!

What rotations have you done on the programme so far & how has each benefitted your development? If this is your first rotation, please share what you are hoping to do next and why.

I’ve been fortunate to have a well-rounded journey through the programme. I started with a placement in Manufacturing /Supply at GESTRA, which is part of the Steam Thermal Solutions division of Spirax Group. Then I moved to the UK for my international rotation in Sales with Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS), and I’m currently in my final placement in Product Management with Bredel, also part of WMFTS.

Coming from a Chemical Engineering background, I’ve always been more focused on applications and processes. My first rotation in manufacturing gave me a completely new perspective - on machining, planning, and the day-to-day challenges on the shop floor. A big part of the role involved working closely with production teams and operators, which really helped me improve my communication skills and develop more structured, convergent thinking.

My sales rotation was a transformative experience. I got to interact directly with customers, support Area Sales Engineers, and work with CRM tools, to help expand our sales reach. It was exciting to see how our products directly addressed customer pain points and helped build trust in our relationships. This rotation helped me grow in confidence, become more open-minded, and understand the importance of human connection - even in a world that’s becoming increasingly digital.

Now, in my product management role, I’m applying everything I’ve learned so far. I’m building on my storytelling skills, using data and smart tools to communicate ideas more effectively, and continuing to grow both technically and personally.

What is your current role & what does a typical day look like for you?

I’m currently working as a Product Management Analyst at Bredel, part of the WMFTS division. It’s a central role that touches many areas - I get to work on strategy development, support global deployments, respond to geo-political shifts, and contribute to projects that have a real impact. A big part of my work also involves analysing revenue chains and focusing on the commercial side of our products.

On a typical day, I’m interacting with stakeholders from different regions, doing data analysis, conducting market research, and helping shape our product portfolio strategy. I also work with suppliers to implement sustainable packaging options and manage cross-functional collaboration.

What I enjoy most is the balance between diving into the details when needed, while always keeping the bigger picture in mind. It’s not just theory - it’s about making things work in the real world.

How has the culture in your OpCo allowed you to make difference or have an impact?

One of the things I’ve really appreciated is the freedom to ask questions and challenge the way things are done - backed by data and a clear purpose. I’ve had the chance to be part of open brainstorming sessions, even with the Managing Director of Bredel in the Netherlands, which speaks volumes about how approachable and collaborative the culture is.

Even though I work remotely from Germany, I make it a point to visit the OpCo regularly. Every time I do, I’m welcomed and encouraged, whether it’s by the engineering team, sales, business development, or even shopfloor employees. At GESTRA, even though I’m part of WMFTS, I use the office space and have built meaningful relationships with people in the production department. These connections have helped me understand their daily challenges better, and we’ve had some great conversations about how to improve things together.

What stands out to me is that Spirax Group’s core values aren’t just posters on a wall - they’re reflected in how people work and interact every day. There’s a strong sense of safety and openness, where you’re encouraged to speak your mind and share ideas.

I’ve led projects where I felt truly heard, asked thought-provoking questions, and was encouraged to think long-term. That kind of support has helped me grow and deliver meaningful outcomes. Across all my placements, I’ve felt the impact I’ve made, the support I’ve received, and the relationships I’ve built - and that’s made this experience really rewarding.