As part of Armed Forces Week, we're proud to celebrate all colleagues across Phenna Group who have transitioned from military service into successful civilian careers. One of those colleagues is Don Strang, who serves as Head of Compliance at Simtec and brings more than two decades of military experience to his role.
Building a Career on Strong Foundations
Before joining Simtec, Don spent over 24 years in the Royal Engineers, serving as a Combat Engineer, Amphibious Engineer and Construction Materials Technician. His military career took him around the world, delivering ground investigations, materials testing and quality assurance programmes in a wide range of environments.
Towards the end of his service, Don also held responsibility for logistics, ensuring personnel had the equipment, supplies and resources they needed to operate effectively.
Reflecting on his military career, Don credits it with developing many of the skills that continue to support him today, including adaptability, resilience and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
Finding the Right Opportunity
After leaving the Armed Forces, Don was looking for a role that would allow him to apply his technical expertise in a familiar sector.
That opportunity came at Simtec, where he joined as Senior Operations Manager. In true military fashion, he took a direct approach to securing the role.
"I stalked the MD on LinkedIn and emailed my CV over to him directly. Seemed to work out nicely."
The role appealed because it was close to home, aligned with his previous experience and offered the close-knit team environment he valued.
Growing Through New Challenges
Since joining Simtec, Don's career has evolved from operations into compliance and senior management.
He credits this progression to leaders recognising where his strengths could add the greatest value to the business.
Today, he is responsible for preparing and submitting compliance reports and regulatory returns, maintaining accreditation and calibration programmes, and working closely with organisations including UKAS, the Environment Agency and the Office for Nuclear Regulation.
One of the biggest adjustments during his transition from military to civilian life was adapting to a very different HR environment, but his commitment to maintaining high standards and supporting colleagues helped him navigate the change successfully.
Making an Impact
Among his proudest achievements is helping support Simtec's growth into the business it is today.
"Being part of the team that has developed Simtec to the size it is today, with six active UKAS laboratories, using a lean dynamic team to achieve this."
Don also enjoys being a trusted point of contact across the wider Group, supporting colleagues with compliance, quality and operational challenges.
Life Outside Work
When he's not working, Don enjoys spending time with his family, supporting his wife's open-water swimming activities, and encouraging his daughter's passion for climbing. He's also a keen mountain and gravel biker.
And a fun fact that may surprise some colleagues?
"I'm one of those grown-ups who likes plastic interlocking bricks."
Supporting Armed Forces Careers
Don's story highlights the valuable skills, experience and leadership that service leavers bring to businesses across Phenna Group. From technical expertise and problem-solving to resilience and teamwork, military careers provide a strong foundation for success in civilian roles.
This Armed Forces Week, we thank all serving personnel, veterans and reservists across our businesses for their contribution and service.
Interested in building your career at Phenna Group?
Explore our Careers for Veterans, Service Members and Military Families page to learn how we support your transition.
