Employee Spotlight: Lee Foster
Meet Lee Foster, a Contracts Manager at Actemium Birmingham, who joined the business 22 years ago with a passion for all things electrical. Since then, he has grown and progressed to a key role in the Feed, Food and Beverage sector - overseeing projects, building client relationships, and delivering results for the business.
What’s kept him at Actemium? Read below to find out.
Lee, please tell us about how you got into engineering and joined Actemium in the first place?
Well, I’ve always been very hands-on – even as a kid. My nan would often let me help with all sorts of DIY around the house and trusted me to “fix” things – which I loved. When I was doing my GCSEs, my eldest brother gave me a nudge – he told me to pick a trade, either plumbing or electrics.
The moment my exams were over, I headed straight to Walsall College and enrolled in an electrical course. That decision shaped everything that followed.
You’ve been in Actemium 22 years. What has kept you in the business?
Indeed, I joined in July 2003. What’s kept me here is the people around me. I’ve grown alongside many of my colleagues – and even some of my customers.
In this fast-paced industry where people often jump around, I’ve found stability, support, and growth here.
What does your role involve today?
As a Contracts Manager in the Food & Beverage sector, my day-to-day consists of quoting, planning, managing projects, negotiating with suppliers, and liaising with both customers and operatives – particularly on the technical side. It’s a great mix of engineering and commercial responsibilities.
I’m based out of our Birmingham office, but I do spend a lot of the time on the road. With our offering in the sector growing, it’s important for me to be out there – building relationships and making things happen.
What are your career aspirations and how has the business supported you in your professional journey?
My goal is to become a Senior Electrical Engineer. My passion lies more in the hands-on, technical side of things than the managerial aspects – I just love the problem-solving and the practical challenges.
The business has always backed me up and encouraged me to take the next step in my professional development. Even when I’ve lacked confidence, there’s always been someone to guide me to take that next step. I am lucky to have fantastic mentors and a core group of colleagues whose support means so much!
Tell us what you enjoy most about working here? How would you describe the culture?
No two days are ever the same! We work in demanding and dynamic industries which puts a lot of pressure on all of us. However, there’s a strong sense of shared ambition in the team.
There is also a real culture at Actemium that is built on trust, collaboration, and growth. Even though we’re part of a global organisation, it still feels like a close-knit community.
For me, what stands out most is how much the company invests in its people – through training, mentorship, and promoting from within!
And finally, how do you get to spend your spare time?
I’m married with three children, so life outside of work is busy! I love taking my youngest daughter to swimming and gymnastics, and my eldest is working through her Duke of Edinburgh Silver award – hopefully going for Gold next year. I’m also a big football, Formula 1, and boxing fan. I support Manchester United and are looking forward to the glory days returning. I’ve also recently taken up running to keep fit – managing about 12 miles a week and counting.
Interested in joining our business or seeking more information on new opportunities? Visit our Career’s portal to see all current roles.