Associate Spotlight: Kristen McGrath

Learn more about Kristen McGrath, Project Manager, and her experience as part of the Contract Manufacturing Division.

Q. Can you tell us a little about your role at PDI?   

McGrath: My role at PDI is a Project Manager in the Contract Manufacturing Division. I am on the product development team focusing on creating customer manufacturing instructions and processing the customer supplied artwork.  I am also the liaison between the Contract customers and PDI Packaging.

Q. What new skills have you learned while working at PDI? How have you developed personally and professionally?  

McGrath: When I started working at Nice-Pak I had no knowledge of wet wipes.  Through the guidance of my supervisor, I learned the product development process, artwork process and what it is like to be part of a team.  I developed into an independent contributor who can make project decisions on my own.  I also learned to take control of a situation and delegate tasks to team members.

Q. Can you provide some insights on your team dynamics / working relationships with colleagues?

McGrath: There are two parts to the Contract team, Development Team, and Customer Support (Base Business).  The Development Team works on the product launch from the customers concept to the first production run.  We also maintain the lifecycle of each product.  The Customer Support team handles customer purchase orders and logistics.  Our division interacts with many other divisions, and we have developed a good rapport with them.

Q. What is your favorite memory from working at PDI?

McGrath: My favorite memory at PDI is in 2007/2008 playing coed softball for Nice-Pak.  We had a great time playing other companies and going out after to celebrate.  Everyone on the team was close knit and the company moral was very positive.

Q. Do you have any interesting hobbies or fun facts you could share? (personal or work related)  

McGrath: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Hunter College.  I enjoy Country music and going to the swim club with my family during the summer.  I have been married to my husband Matt for 10 years.  We have two boys Owen age 8 and Connor age 6.  We are always on the go with baseball and flag football.  In 2007 I started working at Nice-Pak as the R&D admin and then came to the Contract Manufacturing Division in 2008 where I have been ever since.

Q. How long have you been with PDI and why have you decided to stay with the company?

McGrath: I have been with the company for 15 years.  I have stayed because I truly like working with the Contract team.  We get along great and work very well with each other.  I have a good relationship with my supervisor, and I like the flexibility in work life balance.  PDI is close to my home so I can enjoy family time after work.  Now working remote three days a week, it’s even better.

Q. How has the company evolved since you joined? 

McGrath: PDI bought a beautiful building in Woodcliff Lake, NJ.  There are many new employees throughout the company.  They have implemented new procedures to ensure quality products.