SWARCO Employee
Spotlight
Name: Daniel
Position: Head of Laboratory in the Road Markings Systems Division
Responsibilities: Leading the technical team, managing customer inquiries, overseeing development and quality control, driving sustainability projects, fostering innovation and collaboration across departments
One word that describes my job: Impactful
Must-haves: Team spirit, accountability, openness to learning, passion for innovation
Unexpected Growth and Innovation
When Daniel first walked through the doors of the SWARCO company in Ellesmere Port (UK) in February 2024, the atmosphere was dynamic. “The work environment was fast-paced and busy – not just in the technical team, but also in the office and the production facility,” he recalls. Having spent 13 years in plastic manufacturing, the transition to SWARCO had marked a new chapter in his life.
He started as a development chemist for road markings, drawn in by the company’s energy and dedication of its people. Only three months into his role, an unexpected opportunity arose: The Head of Laboratory left, and the position needed to be filled. “It wasn’t something I had planned from the beginning,” Daniel admits. “It was more a chance that presented itself, and I decided to take it.” Today, he leads the technical team with a clear vision and collaborative spirit.
“I work with a great group of people, and I’m motivated by the opportunity to grow together, develop new ideas, and achieve meaningful results as a team.”
Between Science and Strategy
“My current role is mainly office-based, although I still occasionally support work in the laboratory.” Daniels daily routine is a blend of structure and adaptability. Mornings begin with emails and setting priorities, followed by team check-ins and project updates. The work spans customer inquiries, long-term sustainability goals and strategic planning. One of the most motivating aspects of his role? The people. Daniel explains: „Even though the daily tasks can be quite hectic and busy, collaborating with the team to get things done is very rewarding.”
Whether it is tackling technical challenges or brainstorming innovative solutions, team dynamic is a constant source of energy. An exciting project for Daniel, which he’s currently involved in, is part of the SWARCO Center of Competence (COC), a global network within SWARCO Road Marking Systems that connects experts from R&D, Sales, and Production to drive innovation together. “We’re working on reducing the carbon footprint of our thermoplastic products,” he clarifies. Working closely with colleagues across Europe, they are making a meaningful contribution to a more sustainable future.
Team-driven Success
One thing is certain: Daniel genuinely cares about his team and is committed to helping others grow. When asked about teamwork, the response was clear and enthusiastic: “I work with a great group of people, and I’m motivated by the opportunity to grow together, develop new ideas, and achieve meaningful results as a team.” And it shows. Together, they create a positive working atmosphere filled with mutual respect, where ideas flourish and challenges are met with collective strength. Good collaboration within the team plays a key role in daily motivation and overall job satisfaction. He especially values the open attitude within the team: “We sometimes deal with production support or customer complaints, whether they’re related to the product itself or how it’s installed.
In those situations, it’s all about finding solutions together, and the team consistently shows great collaboration and positivity.” A recent innovation session, part of a larger sustainability initiative, showcased this spirit perfectly – bringing together colleagues from different departments to handle challenges and create ideas. “That kind of initiative and teamwork is exactly what makes working in this team so rewarding.”
“It’s rewarding to see how all the effort comes together and to be able to demonstrate the value of the work we’re doing.”
Development through Challenge
Transitioning from a hands-on technical role to a leadership position was a major shift. “Before joining SWARCO, I hadn’t worked as a manager, and I was mainly responsible for managing my own workload,” Daniel explains. “Stepping into a leadership role brought a new set of challenges, especially the human aspect: making sure that expectations are clear, offering support, and helping team members understand what they need to do.”
Over the past year, he grew a lot in that area and continued to build on his experience in project management – now combined with managing people: “Creating a positive team spirit, ensuring everyone feels supported, and helping the team stay motivated and happy in their roles.”
#ProudOf
Daniel's role is meaningful on multiple levels. “First and foremost, it’s about the products we create. Many of which contribute directly to road safety, such as our high friction surfacing materials,” he says. “Knowing that what we manufacture helps protect lives on the road gives me a strong sense of purpose and pride.” But it’s not only about the products – it’s about people. “What I’m most proud of is the unexpected opportunity to become Head of Laboratory here at SWARCO,” he shares.
“Taking on that responsibility meant learning a lot – about leadership, communication, and supporting others. I take real pride in seeing my colleagues develop, gain confidence, and succeed in their own careers.”
Advice for Future Applicants
His message to potential applicants is clear: “Just go for it.” Whether you're starting out or switching industries, SWARCO offers opportunities for growth. “I didn’t even know what glass beads were or how they’re used in road markings,” he laughs. “But I quickly discovered that there’s much more to this field than meets the eye.” His advice? “If you're curious, open to learning, and enjoy working in a collaborative environment, SWARCO is a great place to grow both professionally and personally.”
“Being part of that journey from concept to implementation makes the work feel impactful.”
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Ready to Make an Impact?
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a dynamic, solution-oriented environment where technical expertise and collaboration come together. It’s a great fit for those with a background in science, engineering, or product development who are curious, open to learning, and motivated by meaningful work. Strong communication skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to balance day-to-day tasks with long-term goals are essential. If you value teamwork, innovation, and making a real-world impact, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to grow and contribute.
