People of Power Adhesives 2026 – Joanna Mallinson – Commercial Operations Manager

Next up in our monthly highlight of the Power Adhesives Commercial team, we have Joanna Mallinson, our Commercial Operations Manager.

Joanna joined Power Adhesives in 2024 as the Sales Support Manager, and transitioned in her current role at the start of 2026.

In this interview, Joanna discusses her background prior to joining Power Adhesives, her journey so far within the company, and where she sees the business in the coming months and years.

Background & Journey

1. How did your journey with Power Adhesives begin?

My journey with Power Adhesives began when my role at my previous company became permanently remote. While I appreciated the flexibility, I realised how much I missed the day-to-day interaction and being part of a team. When I came across a Sales Support Manager role at Power Adhesives, it immediately stood out as a great fit and a company with a strong culture. After learning more about the role and the business, I knew I had to apply – and it’s been a positive step in my career.

2. What made you choose to stay with the company?

No two days are ever the same — there are always new challenges to take on, which keeps the role interesting and rewarding. The people I work with are great, and there’s a strong culture of teamwork and support that makes coming to work genuinely enjoyable.

3. How has your role evolved over the years?

When I joined Power Adhesives in 2024, I started as the Sales Support Manager, focusing on supporting the sales team and ensuring day-to-day operations ran smoothly. Since then, my role has evolved significantly, and I was recently promoted to Commercial Operations Manager. In this role I oversee the company’s commercial and operational functions, bridging sales, finance and operations, while driving performance, improving processes, and supporting strategic growth initiatives.

4. How would you describe the company culture in three words?

Supportive, Collaborative and Dynamic

Innovation & Leadership

5. What’s one innovation or project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?

I’m particularly proud of leading the implementation of our new quotation module and CRM system, which streamlined processes and improved efficiency for the sales team. I also played a key role in enhancing the company’s export compliance, ensuring we meet all regulatory requirements while supporting our growth.

6. How does Power Adhesives stay ahead in the industry?

We stay ahead by putting our customers at the heart of everything we do. We listen, adapt quickly, and continually innovate to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions that solve real-world challenges. That customer-first mindset, combined with our skilled and agile team, keeps us ahead of the curve.

7. How have you seen technology or processes change since you started?

There has been a strong shift towards using technology and more structured processes to better understand and meet customer needs. Improved access to, and management of customer information has also supported tighter compliance, helping us deliver a more consistent and reliable service while building stronger, more trusted relationships with our customers.

People & Teamwork

8. What do you enjoy most about working with your team?

The collaboration and trust within the team is what I enjoy most. Everyone is supportive, takes ownership, and is genuinely committed to doing their best. There’s a real sense of shared purpose, which makes working together both productive and rewarding.

9. Are there any mentors or colleagues who have had a big impact on your career?

A previous manager at a former employer had a big impact on my career by genuinely investing in my development. They supported me through a 12-month leadership mentoring program, a management diploma, and a range of different courses, all of which were invaluable. That guidance and belief in me helped shape my approach to leadership and continues to influence how I work today.

Future

10. Where do you see Power Adhesives heading in the next 5–10 years?

I see Power Adhesives continuing to grow as an industry leader through innovation, strong customer partnerships, and investment in our people. I believe we’ll also become widely recognised for delivering innovative, environmentally friendly solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers while supporting a more sustainable future.