Q&A
Jul 19, 2024
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Opportunities abound here at Jacobs – so we connected with one of our teammates, Sales Operations Manager Sri Chennoji, to learn about his experience taking on a new role in a different team in another country.
In this feature, Sri shares insight into his move from India to the U.K. and how it’s helping him grow personally and professionally. Get to know Sri:
Tell us about your Jacobs journey so far.
I joined Jacobs in 2021 as a sales operations team manager in India, supporting sales operations for the water and transportation businesses in the Americas. I initially assisted the Canadian water business and eventually expanded to oversee operations in the U.S. Within a few months, we’d established a talented and dedicated team that seamlessly supported the Americas business. The following year, I was also given the opportunity to lead a talented team of 20 supporting transportation and energy & power operational sales in Europe from India.
Recently, I embarked on a new adventure in the U.K. with the Critical Mission Solutions (CMS) line of business, which encompasses national security, nuclear power, cyber security, defense and nuclear decommissioning, to support sales operations for Jacobs’ cutting-edge robotics development work. This role aligns perfectly with my passion for contributing to solutions that positively impact people's lives and align with critical national priorities.
What sparked your interest in applying for a role in a different country?
Collaborating with exceptional individuals from diverse markets and groups who contribute to groundbreaking projects definitely contributed to my decision to apply for a role overseas. Their commitment to meaningful work, sustainability, safety, and community impact reinforced my desire to be part of such transformative endeavors.
My wife and I also wanted our children to have the opportunity to experience different cultures, drawing from our rewarding time living in the U.S. Combining this aspiration with the chance to contribute directly to Jacobs' critical missions in a global hub like the U.K. really fueled my interest.
How are you leveraging the skills and experience you developed in your previous role in your new role?
Having collaborated closely in my previous role with technical teams, subject matter experts and solution architects, I gained deep knowledge about developing innovative offerings. This experience really helps me understand the complexities and nuances of the solutions we’re proposing to clients in my new role and enables me to highlight the value we bring to meet their needs.
Working in this kind of environment provides ample opportunity to engage with myriad stakeholders from across the business, so I’m also drawing on my previous experience to develop relationships in my new role. Having worked on opportunities across multiple geographies and cultures provides an extra dimension to this.
What do you like the most about your new role?
The opportunity to contribute directly to Jacobs' cutting-edge robotics solutions that are transforming industries and improving lives. Being part of a team that’s pushing the boundaries of technology and engineering to solve critical challenges is truly inspiring. I’m grateful that I’m able to continually learn through dedicated training programs that further enhance my understanding of an industry that’s completely new to me, so I’m best equipped to give my all.
I also really enjoy working with the diverse, global team based in the U.K. We actively promote an inclusive culture that values each team member's contribution, ensuring our development process reflects these varied perspectives to create solutions that are universally accessible and effective.
What has surprised you the most throughout the moving process?
The entire relocation process has been an incredible experience, filled with both exciting moments and unexpected challenges. One thing that genuinely surprised me is the sheer amount of planning and coordination required for an international move like this, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the support and resources provided by Jacobs to ensure a smooth transition for me and my family.
I’ve also been amazed by the warm welcome and inclusive culture within the robotics development team. Despite joining a new team in a different country, I immediately felt a sense of belonging and camaraderie with my colleagues, who’ve been incredibly supportive and eager to share their knowledge and experiences with me.
What advice would you give to others considering international career opportunities?
My main advice would be to wholeheartedly embrace the journey. Moving to a different country can be daunting, but it also presents an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. Take advantage of resources and support systems available to you and don’t be afraid to seek guidance when you need it.
Embarking on an international career adventure is a bold and rewarding decision. Remain open-minded, flexible and willing to step outside your comfort zone – this is where true transformation occurs.
About the interviewee
Srinivas Chennoji is a seasoned sales operations manager with global experience across diverse industries. His experience in strategic sales operations and bid management enables him to build high-performing global pursuit teams and optimize end-to-end sales lifecycles. As a key architect of sales operations teams, he has pioneered processes, developed critical assets and assembled international teams to with organizational sales and presales objectives.
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