Advancing as a Leader: Meet Lisa Kendrick-Williams, Quality Operations Manager at SK battery America
For Lisa Kendrick-Williams, joining the SK battery America team in Commerce, Georgia was an opportunity to take her career in manufacturing to a new level. Lisa had already been working in a previous role for nearly 20 years at a global beverage corporation when the opening on SKBA’s Quality Control team presented itself.
Leaning into her new position, she transformed it into a launching pad for advancement as she learned the ins and outs of SK’s first next-generation battery facility in the U.S. Before long, her dedication and leadership skills were recognized – and she was promoted to a management position.
“I’ve worked both day and night shifts as a supervisor,” says Lisa Kendrick-Williams. “I was later given the opportunity to become a Quality Operations Manager, my current role. I appreciate every step I’ve had to take to reach my current position. And I appreciate everyone who saw something in me and encouraged me to grow.”
Learn more about Lisa Kendrick-Williams and how the experiences of her career have been marked by adaptation, education, and advancement.
Lisa Kendrick-Williams, Quality Operations Manager at SK battery America:
How did you first begin your career in manufacturing?
Before SK, I worked in manufacturing for 18 years at a global beverage corporation located here in Georgia where I went from Customer Service to Quality Control for the Sr. Technical Division. After Covid, there were departments that were cut or eliminated. Being a person who can’t sit at home, I heard about SK and how they were looking for Quality team members. Even though it was completely different from what I was used to, I applied for the job. I gave myself a year to learn and see if this was what I wanted to do. And 3, almost 4 years later, I’m excited to see what’s next.
What was your career journey like into your current role?
When I started at SK, there were no team leads, only supervisors, and those were few. When night shift started, I decided to make the move to nights to try and showcase my leadership skills in hopes of becoming a team lead. Instead of becoming a lead, I was given the opportunity to apply for a supervisor role and I got the job. I’ve worked both day and night shifts as a supervisor. I was later given the opportunity to become a Quality Operations Manager, my current role. I appreciate every step I’ve had to take to reach my current position. And I appreciate everyone who saw something in me and encouraged me to grow.
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in manufacturing?
I would say, even if manufacturing is something you may not know, or ever thought you would be interested in, if the opportunity presents itself, give it a try. Give yourself time to overcome any concerns you may have –and give yourself time to learn.
