How long have you been with Eadon and what does your role as Operations Manager involve?
I’ve been with Eadon for almost 2 years. As Operations Manager, I’m here to ensure the underlying processes are in place to help the business run smoothly. I have quite a broad remit – my role covers things like HR, health and safety, recruitment, a bit of marketing – pretty much anything to do with the business I get involved with at some stage, apart from the actual engineering projects themselves!
What does a typical work week look like for you?
There really isn’t a typical week, but we do have regular senior leadership meetings every Monday to set weekly priorities and daily catch-ups. Beyond that, it varies – some weeks involve lots of meetings, while others allow me to focus on independent projects.
What excited you the most about joining an SME like Eadon?
The opportunity for broader responsibilities and growth excited me the most. I knew the company and had worked with Eadon Director Jim Hill before, which was a really positive experience. The role offered the chance to expand my remit beyond what I was doing before as a grant writer. I think a good thing about Eadon, and probably SMEs as a whole, is you don’t have the same level of hoops to jump through, so you can make decisions and implement changes and improvements a lot quicker. It’s very supportive here; if I’ve had something I need guidance on, it’s been really easy to have a conversation with the right person and get help.
What do you like most about Eadon’s culture?
I love the culture of open, honest dialogue which is underpinned by trust and respect. On a personal level, it’s a really friendly and nice place to be. Everyone enjoys spending time together, which makes it a great working environment. I genuinely never get that Sunday night dread before work the next day which is obviously a good thing!
How do you motivate the team?
Communication is the key to motivation. I keep everyone informed about what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and ensure transparency, even if things aren’t perfect – that’s really important. We do quarterly ‘State of the Nation’ presentations for example, where we give a general update on the business. It’s good to keep that open line of communication.
Where do you see Eadon heading in the next five years, and what role will you play in it?
There are so many things we want to do, I think because of the kind of work we’re in, it’s important that we have the right processes and standards in place, and that’s something that we’re working on. We aim to grow by expanding our team and increasing our presence in various sectors. We’re recruiting more engineers and a business support graduate to help with this. My role is to guide the process and help us grow in a way that’s sustainable and keeps the feel of Eadon that everybody loves and enjoys coming to work for.
Can you share a significant challenge or learning experience you’ve had at Eadon?
Implementing the career pathway process was a significant challenge. We wanted to provide clarity on how roles relate and how employees can progress through the company, making sure it was transparent. It was a learning experience to get external advice and implement the process effectively.
Finally, when you’re not at work, how do you enjoy spending time?
I spend a lot of time with my two dogs, going on long walks in and around Sheffield. I also enjoy cooking and trying out different cuisines and I try to stay fit by running and going to the gym.