How does your day start? The day starts with a wake up from our 11-month-old girl Tia. You’ve got to be quick with a bottle before she wakes the whole house up! 

Why did you join Staffordshire County Council? I joined because I wanted to make change. I had previously worked for the private sector but saw I could make a greater change and difference by working directly for and with the public, ensuring public money is utilised effectively to offer the best service on our network of recycling centres.

What might people not know about working at the council? That the employees and teams at Staffordshire County Council are more driven, dedicated and willing to go above and beyond than what the stereotypical belief of what public sector work is.

What is it like being a Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) Operations Manager? My work is very diverse and demanding.

What does a typical day look like in your role? Its ever changing and evolving. I could be on site completing site audits, speaking with my teams and dealing with the public, or I could be on a team’s call discussing budgets and our next innovative plans. I’m often working with governing bodies who assess our compliance, working with People Services or our Health and safety team, working on recruitment or procurement of contractors. But one thing remains a constant, making sure our dedicated operational teams, supervisors, team leaders and plant operators are working as safely as possible, are happy and giving the best service to our residents.

What has been your most memorable moment so far? Bringing the HWRC network back in house at the council after nearly 30 years of it being managed by contractors.

What’s the worst part of your role? You need to have patience, and understand that to create change in culture, performance, and in any area it takes time, nothing worth having comes easy!

What’s the best part of your role? Upskilling staff, changing culture and increasing performance and knowing each day we try to offer the best service to residents of Staffordshire.

What would you do if you didn’t do this? If I didn’t do this, I believe I would have been in the military or working with animals. Very different I know!

What advice would you give someone considering a career in waste and sustainability? Do it and do it to the best of your ability! A strong work ethic can take you so far if you are prepared to commit to a cause.