Spectrum’s Business Development Director, Jill Archibald, is no newcomer to facilities management nor a stranger to Spectrum. Jill started on the distributor side in 1995 when she worked in sales, supplying cleaning, hygiene and janitorial supplies. Spectrum was one of her clients before she switched and began working in facilities management businesses in 2004. We caught up with Jill to discover what motivates her and why she was persuaded to join Spectrum.
Q: How long have you been involved in facilities management?
A: “I’ve worked with facilities management businesses since 2004, but I suppose I’ve been in the industry since 1995. I was in sales on the cleaning and hygiene supply side. That experience introduced me to facilities management and the various facets of the industry.”
Q: What did you know about Spectrum before you joined them?
A: “I’ve actually known Sara since she started the business. I worked in janitorial supplies, and Sara bought from the company I represented.
“I have followed Spectrum as a business since then and Sara as a leader within the industry in Scotland. Spectrum was seen as a competitor of the large corporates within Scotland due to their strong business ethics of doing the right thing for their clients, retaining and winning new business with solid partnerships and proven methodologies.”
Q: Why did you decide to join Spectrum?
A: “I have always admired Spectrum and its success over the past 20 years. I wanted to join a company where I could make a difference and be part of a well-driven, ambitious team. Spectrum’s diverse client base allows us to demonstrate a sustainable delivery model, giving clients trust and confidence in our capabilities.
“I felt that my industry knowledge and innovative approach were well-suited to Spectrum’s. In addition, Spectrum is well-equipped and willing to deliver flexible solutions for any kind of workplace.
“Spectrum is more aligned with clients’ needs and willing to invest in innovation than many other national and multi-national businesses. The management structure, flexibility and overall approach to business relationships and customer service are recognised and appreciated by clients. At Spectrum, there is a genuine belief that we, as a team, can make a difference: this confidence transfers into new business and increased retention.”
Q: What aspects of the role do you most enjoy?
A: “There are lots I enjoy: the variety of clients, training staff, managing people, introducing new processes, introducing new technology, managing multiple teams, the list is long. But, the best part of my job is engaging with people, whether internal colleagues or external customers. I am not a typical salesperson, and it’s never just about the contract win; it’s always about the long-term relationship and delivering excellent customer service. I don’t believe in me selling our solutions and walking away; the relationship with me should stay. It’s an old cliché; however, people buy people and remember them for how you make them feel. Adopting this principle has served me well over the years.
“Our approach builds sustainable relationships that encourage organic growth with the added benefit of creating influential case studies to demonstrate to potential clients. There’s nothing like going to work and appreciating what you do every day.”
Q: What would you say to anyone considering a career in facilities management?
A: “Too many people perceive FM as an unskilled industry; however, not only is it a career choice that’s growing and in demand, it’s one many people find challenging (in a good way). There is a vast diversity of opportunities within FM that is not recognised instantly due to the perception that “it’s only cleaners”. Following Covid, there is undoubtedly a greater recognition that the cleaning element of FM is essential to the health and well-being of the building user; clients are much more aware of their responsibilities and take cleaning seriously now. The FM industry perfectly combines challenge, routine, earning potential, flexibility, skill and excitement. Still, this recognition has just started, and the interest in the industry is growing.”
Q: What are your interests outside work?
A: “First and foremost, family and friends are my priorities outside of work. Whether meeting once a week to catch up or have social gatherings, there’s nothing better than having a smile put on your face, or you are doing that for others to help your mindset and happiness. I follow football, which is more of a social activity now, and I have many friend groups through watching football and my daughter playing football. Holidays are important to me to chill, relax, and get the brain and mindset back into the right place.”