Name: Farren Whitford
Position: Residential Operations Assistant Manager
1. What has your career path been?
I was previously a flight attendant and originally came to the UK from South Africa for job prospects within aviation. Once I arrived it completely changed when I decided to take a chance and branch out into different career opportunities.
2. Why Ben’s Gutters?
I was immediately excited to start with Ben’s Gutters, as the people who I would be working with seemed very welcoming. This was important to me as I was new to the area and country. I was also very excited to learn new skills and qualities.3. What is your current role like? What about it makes you want to get up in the morning?
My role is very interesting as no day is like another. There are always new challenges and problems that need creative ways to solve them. My department always has room for improvement and creativity, which is welcomed and encouraged.
4. What does an average week look like for you?
Most of my week involves being glued to my desk as all communication with staff and customers are via my phone or email. I am only in one or two small meetings per week.
5. What are your career aspirations?
I am open to learning any new skills that can progress my future career prospects. I enjoy working in operations and would like to expand my knowledge on the subject.
6. Do you feel like you’re making a difference in your job?
I feel that I am a great team player and an asset to my department. I always try to do my job to the best of my ability and to improve wherever possible.
7. Are there any expectations you had about this career path that you have found differed from reality, in both a good or bad way?
I never knew that operations would be so challenging and rewarding at the same time. This role requires you to be creative and organised which are two things that I love doing. I never thought that I would stay in this career path in the long term and enjoy it this much.
8. What are the biggest challenges? What are the compromises?
The most challenging part is customer relations as there is a fine line between customer satisfaction, profit, and the earning potential of our cleaners. Compromising is essential when it comes to handling customer complaints and queries.
9. What skills are the most crucial to succeeding in this career? What type of person do you need to be?
My career requires you to have a wide range of skills in order to be successful. This can range from organisation, time-management, customer relations, planning, and communication. Most of these skills can be acquired through training and persistence.
10. What is the best bit of advice you have for someone looking to interview with Ben’s Gutters?
Be confident and relaxed. Let the company see who you are and what skills you have or are able to learn. It is very important to be open to personal growth.
11. Are there any aspects of the job that you wish were different?
I very much enjoy my position and as my role is ever evolving. I just wish we had some more influence over the lovely British weather!