Meet the LW Team: Angela Whiteside

Angela’s background is firmly rooted in science, discovery and problem-solving. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Astrophysics from Cardiff University in the UK followed by her first Masters degree in Innovative Manufacturing from Cranfield University, also in the UK.

Angela’s first graduate role was with Rolls-Royce Aerospace. Having a somewhat unconventional entry into the engineering field, Angela undertook a 2-year rotational program, taking on high-visibility projects across Rolls-Royce’s functions and global sites. It was during this time where she gained a passion for the increasingly strategic nature of technical supply chain management.

Following this program, Angela relocated with Rolls-Royce to the USA where she undertook a series of progressively senior roles. These included managing machine selection, layout and acquisition for a brand new manufacturing facility and designing and implementing a dual source supply chain for Rolls-Royce’s largest ever engine program, the Trent XWB.

Having completed a further two Masters degrees in Business Administration and Global Supply Chain Management from Indiana University, she then accepted a position with Parker Hannifin’s largest division, Aerospace Control Systems, as their divisional Supplier Development Manager. Here, she managed a team of engineers to technically develop and optimize a $400 million global supply chain. Angela has been the recipient of many awards over her career, including 2013 Rolls-Royce North America Woman of the Year and full academic scholarships for her undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Angela believes that the largest silent profit inhibitor that most companies are facing today is the disconnect between engineering/product design and supply chain management functions. She lists developing country sourcing and numerical supplier risk management as her key strengths. The primary goal of KickStage Consulting is to devise sustainable, optimized sourcing strategies that are born around your product and company strategy.