In our series of articles introducing you to the team at Spectrum, we are moving North for this one to meet a member of the team in Aberdeen who works with our many clients based in the North of Scotland.

Jennie McColl is one of our regional operations managers living in Aberdeen, overseeing a range of work from the East to the West Coast.

The Regional Operations Manager is not only responsible for managing contracts and building relationships with our clients but is also tasked with understanding each client’s needs and expectations and exploring better ways to deliver our services.

Looking at her experience, Jennie is ideally suited to her current title! Before joining Spectrum almost two years ago, Jennie worked in people- and process-focused jobs and, later, in business development, all of which are important to us and to fulfilling the vital role she plays in the North of Scotland.

We asked Jennie some questions about her work and her experiences working with Spectrum.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Spectrum?

A: “Ensuring the client gets what they pay for because meeting their expectations is paramount.”

Digging a little deeper it is evident that she strives to exceed client expectations. She is keen to explore the processes and maximise the performance of the Spectrum team through good leadership. Jennie talked with enthusiasm about a recent pilot when they tested Cobi, a robotic scrubber-dryer in Aker’s Aberdeen offices. Her obvious excitement was not because of the outcome; the results are still being analysed.

Q: Why are you enthused about the Cobi robot trial?

A: “Because of the willingness of Spectrum and the client to explore the options.”

Q: Couldn’t this potentially pose a risk to cleaner’s jobs?

A: “No, the test was about ‘cobotics’ which is exploring how our cleaners could work alongside robots, enabling the team to focus on the detailed work and allow the robots to do the more boring repetitive work. The ultimate aim is to provide a better working environment for the cleaners, at the same time improving the outcome for the client.”

Q: What was the outcome?

A: “It’s too early to tell; we are still reviewing the data and weighing up the costs versus returns. What’s important is that we are willing to look at these options. We know the power of data, and we have always embraced change when it enables us to deliver better services.” (See video of Cobi in operation below)

Q: The facilities management industry obviously suits your skills; what would you say to anyone looking at FM as a career path?

A: “I would say my role in this industry suits my skills perfectly, but there are many other roles in FM where different skills are just as relevant. There are so many aspects to FM that the opportunities are varied. Jobs can range from cleaning to people management and from Health & Safety to customer relationships. The options are endless.

“If you are prepared to work hard, you will find a good career to match your talent in facilities management.”

Q: What gives you the most pleasure about your role?

A: “I love my job, and I get a great deal of satisfaction from most of the things I do. One thing that gave me particular pleasure recently was witnessing a team member being upgraded to a more senior position. Seeing people thrive in the company, and helping them to progress is very pleasing.”

Q: “What do you get up to when you’re not working?

A: “I love walking my dogs.”

It was a pleasure catching up with Jennie. However, because of her modest nature, Jennie didn’t fully disclose all of her hobbies or accomplishments during the main interview, which amounted to more than a walk in the park with the dogs! Jennie is an experienced Iron Man competitor and has successfully competed in some of the sport’s most gruelling events, such as Celtman in 2019.

Thank you to Jennie for taking the time out of her busy schedule to speak to us. We appreciate all that you do for Spectrum in the North of Scotland. If you’d like to talk to Jennie or any member of the Spectrum team about our services in the North of Scotland, please drop us an email at enquiries@spectrumservicesolutions.com, and we will be happy to chat.