In response to our growth over recent months, we’ve been adding to our management team with the appointment of several experienced people. Over the coming weeks, we will introduce them to you, and today we are starting with Jim Donnell.

If asked to describe Jim, we would suggest he is a raconteur with an infectious personality and a wealth of experience in facilities management and life. Listening to Jim speak in his charming Irish accent is a pleasure, something many people have enjoyed during his many years in Facilities Management.

Originally from Portrush in Northern Ireland, Jim arrived in Scotland in 1986 and never left! He quickly found his feet in Facilities Management and worked his way up to Director level. Over the years, he worked with some of the most prominent companies in the industry before attempting retirement. However, those who know Jim will understand that doing nothing was never really an option for Jim. Therefore, he was delighted to receive a call from our Operations Director, Rebecca Bell.

Jim’s reputation precedes him, and Rebecca knew someone with his experience could play a valuable role in the business. Fortunately, Jim also respected Spectrum’s reputation, and they reached an agreement for Jim to become an Area Manager operating in the East of Scotland.

We caught up with Jim to ask him about his new role; here are the responses to the questions we posed to him:

Q: How long have you been involved in Facilities Management, and what sectors have you worked in?

A: I’ve been in Facilities Management for 32 years in various roles up to Director level, and I’ve worked primarily in the Commercial, Corporate and Retail sectors.

Q: Did you know about Spectrum before you joined?

A: Of course. Working in Facilities Management in Scotland, you tend to know all the reputable companies, and I have come across their staff on various projects. I always admired them and the way they worked.

Q: Having retired, why did you decide to return to work and why with Spectrum?

A: People who know me will appreciate that I’m very active; in fact, many questioned my decision to retire, and apparently, they were right. I love what I do, and I guess I’m just not ready to give it up!

I was delighted to be approached by Spectrum because they have a good reputation and an impressive portfolio of clients. However, it was the fact they are an independent facilities management company that swung the deal. When you work with large multinationals, it isn’t always easy to build the type of close client relationships that I like to create. 

Q: What aspects of your role do you particularly enjoy?

A: Without a doubt, it’s building relationships with the client or my team at Spectrum. I firmly believe that people buy people. Open and regular communication helps to create excellent relationships, which lead to much better outcomes and long-lasting contracts. I take pride in the fact I’m still in contact with clients I worked with many years ago. 

The same applies to the team at Spectrum; there is no substitute for good quality communication. Invariably, it’s down to poor communication when something goes wrong in life.

Q: What would you say to anyone considering a career in facilities management?

A: Give it serious consideration. If you like variety and are a good communicator, you will do well in Facilities Management. There are so many entry points to a career in Facilities Management; you can start as a graduate in management or begin as a cleaner. I actually know many people who started as cleaners and worked their way to Director level.

The opportunities are there to rise to a level that suits you. And Spectrum is excellent at training and internal recruitment, so there is always an opportunity for progression here.

Every day is different, and you get to meet so many people along the way; it’s certainly been a rewarding career for me, and I’d strongly recommend it to anyone.

Q: What are your interests outside work?

A: I like to relax by the river and do some salmon fishing, and I like to travel; in fact, I’m off to America soon!

Spectrum’s Operations Director, Rebecca Bell, says about Jim’s appointment: “We are delighted that Jim agreed to come and join us at Spectrum. There aren’t many people with Jim’s experience and expertise in Facilities Management. The whole team has welcomed his appointment, but mainly the ones Jim is working with; they all benefit from his knowledge and experience.

“And it’s not just been great news within Spectrum; we’ve had many clients and people in Facilities Management congratulate us on the appointment.”

Jim, thank you for your time, we are all enjoying your contribution, and we hope you have a great time on your holiday.