Venturing onto a new career path is often the first thing someone attempts when they want to make a change. And yet, more and more employees at Soucy are finding out that it is possible to pivot in their professional life without leaving the organization.
Internal mobility is a way for you to evolve on a professional level It’s a win-win solution for both the employee and the company.
Laurie learned at an early age to never back down from a challenge and to project confidence, even in male-dominated environments. What defines her professionally? Her loyalty and her ability to fully invest herself. And over time she learned to listen to her own needs.
“Honestly, the best thing I did was listen to myself.”
Laurie Mandeville decided to take on a new professional challenge at Soucy. Not once, but twice and for very different reasons. The first time, it was her potential that led her to a new position. The second career change was of her own volition. She was driven by the need to find a new work-life balance. She says in both cases, she made the best decision of her life.
Laurie first joined Soucy Track Systems in 2018 as a buyer. Eight months later, the director of operations — who had taken note of her potential — offered her the role of production supervisor. She agreed, but on one condition: “I wanted to try but I told him if I decided it wasn’t for me, I’d go back to being a buyer.” She never looked back!
For six and a half years, she supervised teams on the production floor before moving on to the assembly chain. She was fully invested and rallied her team brilliantly, leading them with assurance.
After spending memorable years in the heart of the action, Laurie decided it was time to redefine her work-life balance.
Instead of searching elsewhere, she decided to open up about her plans to her manager. “Dave, I think my time as a supervisor is over.” Her manager, Dave Lemire, immediately sprang into action. He told her he’d find her something internally and got in touch with HR.
Laurie met with senior management and HR teams at Soucy Track Systems and Soucy Powersports. They presented her with some options. She felt supported and heard. And there was never any pressure, just a team who mobilized around her with her well-being as their top priority.
“They told me: take some time and think about it. We want to be certain you’re making the right decision for yourself.”
Nicolas, the director of operations at Soucy Powersports, told her about a job in procurement (a field she was familiar with and a team she already knew). Things just naturally fell into place and less than a week later, Laurie was starting her new job.
Obviously, possibilities related to internal mobility depend on the needs of the organization and the positions available. But what Laurie’s story reveals is that there is a major benefit to being part of a company with multiple business units. Moreover, HR teams have more than one ace up their sleeve and can try to find win-win solutions internally.
“I encourage everyone to talk about what they need, because you’ll be surprised by how much you are appreciated when you see everyone do their utmost to find you a new spot.”
Even though her decision was well-planned, leaving the supervision team was the hardest step in her journey. After all, she and her team had spent six years forging strong ties! “The team I supervised was really wonderful! I’m still close with the guys, even though I’m no longer a supervisor.”
From day one in her new procurement position, Laurie had to embrace a growth mindset. But she had a tremendous advantage: she already knew the people, the environment, and the realities of working on the plant floor. Her experience in supervision also helped her tackle her new tasks. And her supervisor Naila Smine who welcomed her into her new role quickly became a source of inspiration and motivation. “Knowing I have a manager with whom I will continue to evolve is a huge motivator for me.”
Laurie is also happy to be able to benefit from remote work. She has a stable schedule and enjoys a work-life balance. She has no regrets about her six years as a supervisor, but she acknowledges the time had come to turn the page.
“They treat us well here. It’s a family atmosphere. You never feel like a number in a corporation.”
Laurie’s journey is a reminder that a career doesn’t have to be linear to be fulfilling. Needs change, ambitions do too. And that’s completely normal!
Choosing an employer also means choosing a place where you can continue to grow professionally.
Who knows! Yours might be the next exemplary story at Soucy.