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No wrong path: RFM Contract Manager Danny

Our 'No wrong path' series supports the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) campaign for young people who may feel disheartened by their exam results. If that's you, or you're not sure what route to take after school, we hope the stories of employees here at Team Robertson will show that there's no right or wrong path.

I didn't learn well in the class room, it wasn't great place for me. Whereas I found work gave me a chance to get involved, learn hands-on and show what I could do – it was a much better environment for me.

From factory worker and cleaner to Contracts Manager for Robertson Facilities Management

School may not have been for Danny but doing local milk deliveries from the age of 13 gave him an appetite for working life. From school he spent the next few years employed in local factories, where operating a forklift and working with hazardous materials made him more aware of his working environment and the need for health and safety.

Next, Danny took on the role of cleaner with a facilities management company. After six months he moved across to the maintenance team where he qualified as a plumber. Seeing what his manager did from day to day, Danny turned his thoughts to a similar role.

How did you gain the experience to move into a management position?

I saw a way of doing it and put in the extra effort. Luckily I had a supportive manager, so I’d finish my maintenance tasks then head to the site office to read through customer contracts. I wasn’t a great learner at school but wanted to understand more about the services we offered and what that meant for our team and customer. It struck me then the impact of facilities management on people’s lives – we have a real responsibility to make sure our buildings are compliant and in great working order for everyone that uses them. 

I had the opportunity to stand in for my manager from time to time then started applying for roles. I had to persevere but when I landed an Assistant Site Manager position, I was promoted to Site Manager after only four weeks.

You’re now a Facilities Management Contracts Manager, tell us about that:

My team provides services for 300 buildings across the local authority estate, including energy efficiency, asbestos and health and safety management. My job is to make sure we remain on budget and compliant within the terms of each contract.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I love working with my team. And going back to what I said before, taking on the responsibility to ensure that as a team we do things the right way and for the right reasons – that really drives me.

We have a young team member who’s eager to learn and is doing it pretty much the way I did, looking at the contractual side of facilities management – it reminds me of the opportunities I was given, so it’s great to give back and get involved in the mentorship side.

What’s your message for any young person disappointed with their grades or not sure what their next step should be?

Persevere. Not everybody gets school or learns in the same way. Try to find a niche, something that you enjoy – even it takes a while like it did for me – it makes a difference when your job involves something you’re passionate about.