Our blog is live, and this week, we chat with our Head of Data for the Aftermarket Division of One Nexus Group about all things data, trade parts and websites. Outside of work, Chris has a keen ear for sound quality and would love to design and build a high end speaker system.

Hi, Chris. Can you tell us about your role at One Nexus?
A typical day for me probably falls into 3 areas. There would be some implementing of new programs and websites and advancing the architecture of our system. There may be some firefighting, this year we dealt with a quarter of a billion dollars’ worth of sales across 280 dealers all of which come from third party supplier’s systems, there will be problems from time to time! And other days are spent, with my counterpart James, shaping the future and culture of the division.

What is your experience in the automotive industry?
This year I have worked with One Nexus for 20 years. I have worked and collaborated with at least 11 of the largest motor manufacturers in the world across 6 countries and 3 continents. Primarily this is assisting them in selling parts. During that time, I have progressed through a variety of roles starting as a junior analyst through developer roles to now being head of data for the aftermarket division.

How has your journey with One Nexus been so far?
Long, ha ha. Thoroughly rewarding and interesting. Looking back its fair to say that I have loved the journey. I have met a whole host of interesting characters, some of whom I still work with today, and absorbed and learned so much. It is fair to say that I am not the same person as when I started.

What was it about One Nexus that made you want to get involved?
To be perfectly honest I came to One Nexus by accident through a recruiter and my skills were not an exact fit the role! However, I was given a four day trial. I loved it, I could see how my skills, aptitude and temperament would fit with the work and business culture. I could see so much potential for streamlining and improvement. But more than anything I loved the people who felt like a second family. Since then, I have done everything I can to advance the business, learning lots of skills along the way, first studying databases and then latterly about some of the associated areas such as the user interface.

What would you say you enjoy most about your job?
The ability to shape the environment we work in. I absolutely love the mix of autonomy and accountability that I have, and this passed down to my amazing team. Recently I have researched and read about friction in systems and have succeeded in removing some from our interfaces. I love the challenge of the database and trying to incorporate nimbleness and adaptability into our system.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
I love going to the gym, I love the mindfulness and the mental aspect as much as the physical. I love reading about new subjects and you can find me every weekend morning with a coffee and a non-fiction book. I enjoy music, TV and Film and spending time with my loved ones and my dog.

Finally, what is one thing you would like readers to know about yourself or One Nexus that they might not know already?
I dream of starting a hi-fi or speaker company. Mixing convenience, sound quality and an artistic finish, making a statement piece, like a painting. That way people can enjoy Noel Gallagher as much as I do – lol.