This November, we’re celebrating Career Development Month by shining a light on the growth stories of our fantastic team members here at Cogent Breeding. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing stories of how our colleagues have developed their careers with us, and the commitment, flexibility, and teamwork that have helped them succeed.
We’re starting with Suzanne Nimmo, our Lab Services Manager. Over the past 14 years, she’s progressed from hands-on lab work to a key leadership role, making a real impact along the way. Suzanne’s story shows the wealth of opportunities we offer for those ready to learn and lead.
Keep an eye out for more inspiring stories of growth from our Cogent team this month.
A Journey of Adaptability and Growth at Cogent Breeding
For Suzanne Nimmo, what began as an "interesting and different" opportunity has blossomed into a remarkable 14-year career at Cogent Breeding. Now serving as Lab Services Manager, Suzanne's journey from Laboratory Technician to department leader exemplifies the growth possibilities within the organisation.
Armed with a BSc in Human Nutrition from Chester University, Suzanne joined Cogent in June 2010, initially covering a maternity leave position. Her technical expertise and dedication quickly earned her a permanent role that expanded to include veterinary administration work alongside the Stud Team. By 2014, Suzanne had advanced to Lab Supervisor, where she spent eight years overseeing both the sorting and conventional labs before stepping into her current management position in 2022.
"Lab Services is the department that keeps the lab operating," Suzanne explains. "We're the bridge between all the departments at Beachin. We succeed due to our collective thinking, considering how everything is connected and how any decisions impact other departments."
Throughout her tenure, Suzanne has masterfully navigated significant changes, including Cogent's 2017 acquisition from STgenetics, which brought new procedures and systems. Her approach to challenges reveals her leadership style: "I am proud that I always get stuck in and try to see the positive in tricky situations, stay calm, and work to make them better." This positive attitude, combined with her comprehensive understanding of laboratory operations, has been instrumental in her success.
With a strong foundation in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Suzanne brings a high level of technical expertise and quality assurance to her role. Her knowledge of industry standards complements her deep understanding of lab equipment, processes, and operations, all honed through years of hands-on experience. This blend of compliance with industry standards and practical knowledge allows her to manage both routine tasks and new challenges with ease.
Cogent has supported Suzanne's professional development through various channels, from people management training to technical courses. She's had opportunities to visit semen processing labs in Norway and attend European conferences, expanding her expertise and industry knowledge. The company's investment in personal development, including Insights training, has helped her better understand herself and others, enhancing her leadership capabilities.
What stands out about Suzanne's experience at Cogent is the supportive culture she describes as "positive and respectful" with a "strong team spirit and caring to employees’ needs." This environment, coupled with opportunities for growth, has created a workplace where long-serving employees like Suzanne thrive.
For those considering a career at Cogent, Suzanne's advice is refreshingly straightforward: "Come in with an open mind, be prepared to get stuck in and work with some great people." Her most valuable lesson learned? "To accept change and embrace it"—a philosophy that has served her well throughout her career.
Looking ahead, Suzanne's enthusiasm for her role remains unwavering. "I don't see myself working anywhere else, as I really enjoy my job!" she shares. Her commitment to Cogent and passion for laboratory services continue to drive excellence in her department, ensuring seamless operations through collaboration and careful planning.
Suzanne's career journey at Cogent Breeding demonstrates how embracing opportunities, maintaining adaptability, and contributing to a positive team culture can lead to lasting professional success. As Lab Services Manager, she exemplifies the company's commitment to developing talent and fostering long-term career growth.