Managing a full-time job while bringing up two young children is not easy; however, Gemma Pollock has found it manageable, but she’s also learned it hasn’t held up her promotion prospects at Spectrum.

We recently caught up with Gemma to ask her about her role and experience working at Spectrum since joining us around 18 months ago.

Q: What is your current role with Spectrum?

A: “I’m the Site Manager at CalaChem in Grangemouth. The job involves allocating shifts, supervising cleaning staff and conducting site audits. Our regular duties at CalaChem are general cleaning in the office, production and lab areas. But, we also provide a range of other services, including window cleaning, deep cleaning, pest control etc.; for the provision of these non-scheduled services, I liaise with the client and our head office.”

Q: What was your role when you started with Spectrum, and how have you progressed?

A:  “I began as an Evening Cleaning Supervisor. I did have previous cleaning experience, but I thought the prospects of progression would be better at Spectrum than they were at a smaller company. So I was delighted to be promoted to Site Manager around a year ago.”

Q: Have you learned much since joining, and are you continuing to learn?

A: “Yes, very definitely. Even though I had cleaning experience, I have still learned a great deal about the variety of cleaning solutions used in different situations. And I’ve learned to work with a range of machines that I didn’t have access to in my previous job. Probably the most significant learning curve has been managing people. I came from a lone-worker situation, so I’ve enjoyed learning how to get the best out of my team.

“Spectrum are good at training and take the time to put you with experienced people who are happy to show you how things are done and what is expected from you. Now, I’m showing less experienced staff the processes and procedures; that’s a part of the job I really enjoy.”

Q: Do you consider Facilities Management a worthwhile career path?

A: “I certainly do. I have two young children aged 5 and 7 years; this job provides me with the flexibility I need to be there for them when I need to be. The flexibility that cleaning gives you is fantastic. We have cleaners working different hours depending on what they can do. And when they do have more hours, they can get additional shifts, either temporarily or permanently. So, it’s up to the individual to determine what is best for them, and cleaning can usually accommodate what they want.

“That’s certainly been the case with me, and I will look for more progression as my kids get older and I’m able to do more.”

Q: What do you like most about working with Spectrum.

A: “Firstly, although it is a big company, it doesn’t feel that way. There’s a great team spirit, and the communication is excellent; you’re always kept in the loop with everything going on in the business.

“Second is meeting lots of people, both clients and fellow team members. I’m a people person, and meeting such a variety of people from all walks of life is great. 

“Third is the opportunity to do different things. I’ve worked in hospitality before, so I’m keen to be involved in the events side of Spectrum. In fact, I’m doing my first event at TRNSMT this year, which I’m really looking forward to. Speaking to others who have been to events, they say it is hard work but great fun. There’s a real team effort with everybody mucking in and supporting one another.

“I’m keen to get involved in travelling with the business to the events that require you to stay over. So, that’s something to look forward to when the kids are older.”

Q: What are your ambitions for the future?

A: “I mentioned already that I’m keen to move around and do some more events, but I’d also be eager to look after more of the permanent client’s sites, so maybe an Area Manager position? The good thing is, I think it’s achievable; Spectrum notice hard workers and encourage promotion from within the company, so I suppose it’s up to me how far I go. That’s a nice position to be in.”

Thank you Gemma, for taking the time and being so open with us about your job and your aspirations. We appreciate your hard work, and we are sure you have a great future with Spectrum.