How long have you been with the company, and what brought you to the TIC industry in the first place?
I joined AmSpec in March 2023 after some years in the TIC industry and several years working in leading Oil and Energy commodities trading groups. What I like about AmSpec is that the company constantly strives to stay at the forefront—innovating, growing, and investing in new developments. I believe that this approach creates opportunities for employees to expand their skills and advance their careers across multiple areas.
Can you briefly describe your role as Commercial Manager in LatAm?
As Commercial Manager in LatAm, my role is to maintain strong commercial relationships with our key clients in the region, ensuring operations are carried out in accordance with their requirements and standards. I also act as the main point of contact to provide solutions and support clients with new projects and challenges, helping them develop and implement their initiatives. Additionally, I promote AmSpec’s capabilities and expertise across LatAm to strengthen client partnerships, support strategic growth initiatives, and explore opportunities with prospective clients.
What’s your favorite part about coming to work every day?
My favorite part about coming to work every day is that no two days are the same. I interact with a variety of teams—operations, laboratory, billing—as well as clients. The work is very dynamic, and there’s never a dull moment, as there are always new challenges to tackle.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is managing client priorities while ensuring that everything is executed according to strict requirements. This involves strong teamwork and effective communication with multiple stakeholders. It can be complex, but I enjoy the challenge because I like interacting with clients and helping them achieve their goals.
What is the most common misconception clients have about testing or certification processes?
One common misconception clients may have about testing and certification processes is that they are faster or more ‘express’ services than they actually are. In reality, the work requires precision and close attention to detail. We always aim to meet the best possible timelines, but we never compromise on the quality of our work
Selling TIC services isn’t always easy; clients often see it as a “cost of doing business.” How do you flip that narrative to show it as an investment or a value-add?
At AmSpec, we act as the client’s eyes where they cannot be—whether it’s on a vessel in the middle of the ocean, at a truck terminal in a remote location, or elsewhere—and that presence is priceless. I always try to show clients the significant negative consequences of not having a proper surveyor in place when closing a commercial transaction. By highlighting the risks and potential costs of errors or non-compliance, I help them see that our TIC services are not just an expense, but a valuable investment that protects their business and ensures smooth operations.
What’s the most creative solution you’ve ever put together to meet a client’s tight deadline or unique testing requirement?
We used every possible mode of transport to get samples to the laboratory in record time—by land, sea, and air. The only thing left would be experimenting with drone delivery, which I don’t see as too far off!
What is unique about AmSpec Uruguay?
AmSpec Uruguay is a small but growing team, consisting of two offices: one focused mainly on commercial and administrative tasks, and another dedicated entirely to operational matters. What makes us unique is our highly diverse team, with people of different ages, academic backgrounds, and interests. Additionally, we serve as a hub for LatAm, centralizing many finance and human resources functions for the region, and coordinating all activities for one of our main clients across LatAm from Uruguay.
What is the best piece of career advice you ever received, and who gave it to you?
When I was younger, I tended to be more reserved and take a more cautious approach at work. Earlier in my career, one of my managers encouraged me to take initiative and be proactive, explaining that stepping up to address opportunities or challenges, even outside my immediate responsibilities, helps develop leadership skills. Since then, I’ve learned to take initiative when needed, and this advice has been extremely valuable to me in this industry.
What is one fun fact about you that would surprise your colleagues?
One fun fact about me is that I can imitate some Latin American accents when I speak. Each country has its own way of shaping the voice and characteristic words, and I can pick them up very quickly. I also have a knack for spotting look-alikes in people—similar to those camera shots at baseball games where they find spectators who resemble famous personalities—and I can do that quite easily!
Coffee or tea? And what’s your order?
I’m a fan of the classic 5 o’clock tea, thanks to getting my master’s in the UK. So, definitely tea for me!