From Three Days to Fourteen Years: Ian Hall’s Kinder Journey
When Ian Hall walked through the doors of Kinder for a three-day task, he didn’t expect it would be the start of a long and rewarding career. Fourteen years later, he’s still here and now serving as IT Manager and playing a critical role in Kinder’s IT operations.
“I came for three days, stayed for 14 years (so far),” Ian says.
From the Warehouse to IT Leadership
After leaving a role in a large university, Ian was doing temporary warehouse work when he was called to Kinder to help with an issue involving suspended idlers. What started as a short stint quickly extended.
“This was extended and led to a series of tasks, including labelling the pallet racks in our previous warehouse.”
Everything changed when the team discovered Ian’s IT background, including his experience managing a large SAP implementation.
“I was invited into the office, where I began customising and tuning the recent SAP Business One implementation.”
His role continued to evolve, first through logistics and IT, and eventually into a dedicated IT Manager position as Kinder expanded.
Key Achievements
Ian has contributed to many significant projects at Kinder. One of his proudest achievements has been improving SAP across the business.
“When I arrived, our SAP was a very young implementation. Working with management to continuously refine, improve and extend SAP has been rewarding.”
He also played a key role in supporting the business through COVID-19.
“In hours, we got people set up, and over a few days, we created and implemented new processes in SAP. Everyone worked together and we got it done.”
Other highlights include leading Kinder’s initial ISO certification and maintaining it for the past nine years. He was also heavily involved in the move to Kinder’s current premises.
“Setting up the IT infrastructure in the way we wanted and seeing it stand the test of time has been enormously satisfying.”
Living the Values
Ian sees Kinder’s values in action every day.
“Kinder has never stood still, never stagnated. Management has always been prepared to adapt to external forces and pursue innovation.”
The team culture encourages accountability and continuous improvement.
“Staff are encouraged to own any mistakes, learn from them and move on. The focus is always on how we can make this better for the future.”
He also values the company’s commitment to customers.
“Where we have an issue, caused by us or by our suppliers, we focus on making it right for the customer as soon as possible. The long-standing relationships formed with our business partners mean all parties are prepared to absorb their part. This approach is not something commonly seen.”
Culture and Opportunity
Ian says the environment at Kinder is one of autonomy, flexibility and meaningful contribution.
“Kinder is a place that allows autonomy and flexibility, a contrast to my previous roles in state and federal government.”
He appreciates the flexibility around work arrangements and the opportunity to make a difference through technology.
“The ability to make a positive impact through technology, to both internal and external customers, is something I value.”
Professional Growth
Moving to a medium-sized business was a big shift for Ian.
“I have learnt an enormous amount about how such an entity runs.”
He received logistics training, especially in importing and exporting, and expanded his IT expertise.
“In Kinder IT, we needed to do it all, and we get it done.”
He’s gained hands-on experience with servers, networks, cloud services, phone systems and mobile technologies, all while collaborating with support partners.
Advice to Future Kinder Team Members
Ian is clear in his advice to those thinking of joining the company:
“If you are looking for a quiet, restful workplace, it is probably not for you.”
But for those ready to contribute and make a visible impact:
“If you want a chance to apply your experience and skills in a meaningful way and directly see the results of your efforts, then Kinder is a good fit.”
A Story That Reflects Kinder’s DNA
Ian Hall’s career is a great example of what’s possible at Kinder. From a three-day warehouse task to leading IT across the business, his journey reflects the values, adaptability and opportunities that define the company.
As part of Kinder’s 40th Anniversary Staff Journey Series, Ian’s story highlights why people come and why many stay.