AN INTERVIEW WITH
Bura Iruku
Software Engineer, Joined NCR in 2021
AN INTERVIEW WITH
Antonio Holliday
Commodity Manager, joined NCR in 1982
Tell us a little about your career journey. What is your role at NCR and what led you here?
I was hired by NCR in 1982 after I graduated from Bowling Green State University (BGSU), with a major in Procurement and Materials Management. My initial assignment was at NCR World Headquarters in Dayton, Ohio. At the time of my hire, NCR owned manufacturing facilities worldwide. I had the opportunity to work in the following NCR-owned manufacturing sites:
Engineering & Manufacturing (E&M) - Wichita, KS
E&M Clemson - Liberty, SC
E&M Atlanta - Duluth, GA
I’ve worked at NCR for a total of 36 years. In my 40-year career, I have been in Operations/Supply Chain Management with numerous roles including Buyer, Purchasing Manager, Commodity Manager and Operations Program Manager. For the past 8-10 years, I’ve been managing our global partners who manufacture hardware products for NCR. I’ve traveled the globe, working with suppliers on behalf of NCR in Europe, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Mexico and all parts of the USA.
What advice would you give young professionals wanting to pursue a career in Product and Service Operations?
Keep your eyes and ears open for career opportunities. Document and speak to your manager about your career goals. Don’t be afraid or concerned about taking a lateral move if it’s going to position you for advancement in the future. Align yourself with a mentor who is willing to provide advice and help you with your career. Sometimes the “tough” jobs are the ones that can provide the best experience for future growth. Understand the dynamics in the organization. Learn how to read the room.
“Keep your eyes and ears open for career opportunities.”
How do you manage your work-life balance at NCR?
Focus on the main thing. Time management and prioritizing your activities are key. You can’t do everything, and you can’t please everybody. You will need to let some things fall off the list. Make time for your family and friends.
What opportunities have you had at NCR that empowered you to grow or learn something new?
These opportunities include traveling around the world, interfacing with suppliers, learning different business practices, manufacturing processes and cultures. Being a part of the decision-making process for key activities has helped me understand what’s being considered when decisions are made. Working with cross-functional teams to understand the complete puzzle– and not just the piece you’re responsible for – is incredibly valuable.
“Working with cross-functional teams to understand the complete puzzle– and not just the piece you’re responsible for – is incredibly valuable.”
How are you involved in the community outside of NCR?
I am an avid sports fan of all sports for high school, college and professional teams. I am also an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Gwinnett County Alumni Chapter. My other involvement includes regular engagement as a STEM program advisor for the See It Through Foundation of Gwinnett – Board of Directors/Officer Non-profit 501 (c) (3). The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors and supports at-risk students in Gwinnett County, Georgia. I am also the Twin Scholarship Group – Board of Directors/Officer Non-profit 501 (c ) (3).
How are you helping NCR to transform, connect and run the business in your role?
The supplier that I manage builds NCR’s SCO (Self-Checkout) and ATM hardware for customers in North America. It’s essential that we are able to provide quality products, on time and at a competitive price, to successfully transform, connect and run our customers’ businesses. My role as an Outsource/EMS Manager includes managing the overall relationship and commercial aspects of the business and to help ensure continuity of supply.