Derick Smart

Background

About Derick Smart

As a Customer Engagement Manager with Tata Steel’s Engineering sector, I’m passionate about finding design solutions for our customer’s design challenges. I’ve worked in engineering for nearly 40 years across a varied range of markets. My time spent working in the automotive, off-highway, construction and aerospace industries has enabled me to gain a broad understanding and an ability to proactively deliver solutions that make the best use of a wide range of materials. Since 2002, I’ve worked almost exclusively in customer engagement. I’m the friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and hands-on interface between client and business. I work to fully understand the goals and outcomes of the customer’s project, both offering my personal advice, as well as supporting Tata Steel Engineering’s R&D team to arrive at an effective and efficient solution. More recently, I’ve become heavily involved in Tata Steel’s sustainability projects, applying our knowledge of engineering, not only to solve design challenges but also to help improve the sustainability of a customer’s end product. I believe in delivering exceptional customer service, and I get a real buzz from knowing that we can practically arrive at solutions for our clients, going above and beyond to meet their varied needs. Over the last few years, I’ve worked closely with nearly all of the significant off-highway OEMs and played an active role in the development of the chassis for the JCB FASTRAC I also worked closely with the company as part of an Innovate UK funded project, which saw us remove 30% of the mass from a major excavator component. Away from the office, you’ll likely find me out walking, indulging my love for the ballet, watching the mighty Leicester Tigers play or cooking French and Italian food.