Here at Edinburgh Instruments, we are proud of all our employees for all they do behind the scenes, so we thought it was time to put them in the spotlight. This series does exactly that; you get a sneak peek into what drives, excites and enamours our team. We hope you enjoy it!   

Let’s get into it

Meet Katrina Cargill, Logistics Manager here at Edinburgh Instruments. The logistics team carefully manage the complex process of getting our products from our facilities to our customers, no matter where they are. It’s more than just sending things out; their skill is in planning and carrying out every step to make sure products arrive on time and smoothly.  

What does a typical day/ week in your role look like?

As Logistics Manager at Edinburgh Instruments, no two days are ever the same. Shipping our products around the world comes with its fair share of challenges, and it’s my team’s job to make sure everything arrives on time, safely and securely. With so many moving parts—quite literally—we’re constantly tracking shipments, working with Production to keep customers informed of any delays, and finding the most efficient and cost-effective ways to move products in and out of the company. We also collaborate closely with departments across the business to help ensure production runs as smoothly as possible.   

What has been your journey to get you to where you are now?

I didn’t start out in Logistics, but I’ve always been drawn to roles that involve organization, problem solving and working with people.   Early in my career, I naturally gravitated towards administrative roles and I spent a few years working in HR in the Motor Trade.  Eventually, I found myself stepping into my first Logistics role – and I quickly realised just how much there was to learn in this field.  Customs formalities, in particular, sparked my interest and appealed to the detail-oriented side of me.  

I left school at 16, and didn’t have many formal qualifications, but I’ve always been keen to keep learning.  Whilst working full-time, I took the opportunity to study with the Open University and earned a BA (Hons) in Humanities with History and Literature in 2013.  Since then, I’ve continued to invest in my professional development, completing diplomas in Supply Chain Management and gaining accreditation in customs compliance. 

Each step has added to my experience and broadened my perspective, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come—from admin and HR to leading logistics operations on a global scale. 

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I enjoy a mix of creative and social hobbies. I have a passion for photography, pottery and baking – there’s something really satisfying about switching off and making something with your hands (especially if it’s something sweet).  I also love than getting lost in a good book and going to live gigs – I’m definitely a rock chick at heart. 

Travel is another big part of my life. I love getting away on holiday with my other half, whether it’s exploring new cities, relaxing by the sea, or just enjoying a change of scenery and soaking up different cultures. 

I used to be part of an amateur operatics group and performed on stage (though it’s been a while!), but I never pass up a chance for karaoke. In fact, I’ve recently hosted a karaoke night at my local pub, so that might just become a regular thing!  And when Halloween rolls around, I’m always the first to get dressed up – I love any excuse to go all out with a costume.  

What was your first ever job?

My first ever job was actually an Operator for directory enquiries (for those of you who know what that was), and I vowed that I would not work in a call centre environment again after that experience. 

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

I have a list that I’m determined to work my way through in the next few years: 

Japan 

Bali 

Thailand 

New Zealand 

Top 5 movies 

Silence of the Lambs 

Tangled (who doesn’t love a bit of Disney) 

Les Miserables 

Pretty much all Marvel films up to Avengers Endgame 

Candyman (the original) – I love a good horror!