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Building Confidence, Leadership & a Career in Manufacturing
Building Confidence, Leadership & a Career in Manufacturing
From South Africa to Store Controller and Maintenance Planner at Ibstock Brick Chailey
Construction and manufacturing are industries built on innovation, teamwork and problem-solving. For Calista Muna, Store Controller and Maintenance Planner at Ibstock’s Chailey Factory, the journey into the sector was unexpected but has become a career she is proud to be part of.
Originally from South Africa, Calista moved to the UK in 2017. Like many people starting a new chapter, her first focus was adapting to a different country while continuing her education. School and college provided more than qualifications; they helped build the confidence, resilience and determination that would later support her professional career.
Today, Calista plays an important role in keeping operations running smoothly at Chailey. She manages spare parts, coordinates maintenance activities and ensures the resources needed by engineering and maintenance teams are available when required.
“I enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. It’s rewarding to know that the work we do contributes to building homes, schools and communities.”
Discovering a Passion for Engineering and Operations
A career in engineering and maintenance planning was not something Calista initially planned. However, working closely with maintenance and engineering teams gave her a unique insight into how equipment, systems and processes work together to keep a manufacturing site operating efficiently.
What began as curiosity quickly developed into a genuine passion.
Through her role, Calista has built expertise in maintenance planning, stock control and operational support, developing the technical knowledge and organisational skills needed to support a busy manufacturing environment.
“Working alongside engineering and maintenance teams sparked my interest in how everything fits together. I became fascinated by the technical and problem-solving aspects of the role and have learned so much along the way.”
Developing Leadership Skills Through Apprenticeships
One of Calista’s proudest achievements has been successfully completing the Women+ in Leadership Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship Standard (Level 5) while working full-time.
Balancing study, work responsibilities and personal commitments required significant discipline and determination. The experience challenged her to step outside her comfort zone and develop new leadership skills while gaining a broader understanding of operational performance and continuous improvement.
The apprenticeship strengthened her abilities in communication, project management and strategic decision-making, helping her grow in confidence and contribute more effectively across the business.
“The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to think differently, develop my leadership capabilities and build the confidence to share ideas and support positive change.”
Putting Safety First
Health and safety is a core value across Ibstock, and Calista’s commitment to promoting safe working practices was recognised when she received a Ceramic Pledge Award for Health and Safety.
The award reflects her dedication to creating an environment where colleagues feel supported, valued and able to work safely every day.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Receiving the award was a proud moment because it recognised the importance of creating a workplace where everyone can thrive safely.”
Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence
As a woman working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Calista has sometimes felt the need to prove her knowledge and capabilities. However, these experiences have helped her develop confidence in her technical understanding, trust her expertise and build strong working relationships across the business.
The challenges she has encountered have strengthened her resilience and determination, while reinforcing the importance of diversity and inclusion within the industry.
Calista is passionate about encouraging more women and young people to explore careers in manufacturing, engineering and construction.
“Believe in yourself and take every opportunity to learn. Don’t be discouraged by stereotypes. There are many routes into the industry, and every skill brings value. I’d love to see more women working in engineering, operations and leadership roles so we can continue creating a more diverse and inclusive industry.”
Looking Ahead
Calista’s journey demonstrates how determination, continuous learning and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to a rewarding career in manufacturing.
Her personal motto reflects the mindset that has helped her succeed:
“Focus on what you can control and let everything else take care of itself.”
It is a philosophy that continues to guide her career as she supports operational excellence, champions safety and inspires others to pursue opportunities in the industry.
At Ibstock, we are proud to celebrate colleagues like Calista who are helping to shape the future of manufacturing through leadership, dedication and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Read more about how we are Building Skills at Ibstock here and explore our Early Careers opportunities here.
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© Ibstock Plc. 2026
