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The team of Facilities Managers at MEL have a key role at MEL, providing the critical interface between the operational needs of our clients, and the engineering infrastructure that keeps a business running. MEL works across a range of sectors, including finance, education, utilities, theme parks, and manufacturing. Regardless of the industry, adequate heat, power and water is a necessary part of doing business. For our clients, this is never just about maintenance, it’s also about planning and executing strategic projects with minimum impact on day-to-day running.
Our facilities managers have a background in engineering or one of the other trades and have years of experience planning projects across all the engineering and construction disciplines. We think there are some core competencies that make an MEL Facilities Manager responsible for managing critical infrastructure an asset to any client who has a large or complex estate to look after. They are expert communicators and detailed planners. They are laser-focused on their client’s needs. They are quick on their feet, show initiative and solve problems in real-time.
One of the MEL Facilities Managers, Billy-Reece Potter, took time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions about his background and the work he does as MEL Facilities Manager at Glencore, Maidenhead.
What did you do before you got the job as Facilities Manager?
I previously worked as a Facilities Manager for a private school in London. Before that I worked at Eton College for four years on the tools; primarily in glazing and wet trades though helping wherever needed.
What is your professional background and qualifications?
I studied IT at Reading College after leaving school though I gravitated towards the construction industry as my father was a self-employed plasterer. From there I joined Eton College as a Labourer, learning from experienced tradesmen and working my way up until becoming a tradesman myself. After a few years at Eton College I decided to take a risk and further myself as a Facilities Manager at another private school. This was a great decision as I learnt a lot about Facilities Management, Health & Safety and the different responsibilities of being a manager and working within an office environment.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day usually entails reactive maintenance, organising service/maintenance agreements, daily checks, as well as supporting the Office and Finance Manager at Glencore whenever possible. Every day is different due to the wide range of responsibilities that fall under Facilities Management. Even though I am physically based at the Glencore offices, the team at Maidenhead Electrical are a great support and always help me problem-solve whenever I need the support and experience of the wider MEL team.
What is the most exciting project you have worked on so far?
As Glencore, Maidenhead is a new location for the business, the most exciting project has been getting the service and maintenance contracts up and running. This is important because it decides which companies you’ll be relying on if something needs addressing in a timely manner. It’s been really satisfying building up a portfolio of contacts and being ahead of any possible issues that could arise.
Is there an upcoming project you are excited about?
Because this is a new location for Glencore, we are not yet at full capacity but ensuring the office is ready for full capacity is an exciting project. This has involved creating the weekly, monthly and annual servicing schedule and developing our compliance register.
What are the key skills you have had to learn in your role at Glencore?
One of the key skills I’ve found most important at Glencore is keeping calm and composed under pressure. This is especially important with electrical and plumbing related incidences as they must be resolved quickly but most importantly, in a safe and professional manner. Another key skill is being approachable and friendly. A company like Glencore has visitors from all over the world and it is important to represent both MEL and Glencore in a polite manner. Good organisation and the ability to balance workloads is a hugely important skill to have within Facilities Management, especially when dealing with reactive maintenance.
What do you see yourself doing in the future?
I look forward to all the learning and experience that comes with Facilities Management, as well as learning from my colleagues at MEL and Glencore. In the coming years I would like to continue furthering my career, possibly taking a step up one day into a senior project management role or another similar role within the industry.
What do you do outside work for fun?
On my days off I enjoy venturing around London, going out to new restaurants and going to the cinema. I also enjoy the odd city break in Europe, though I’m currently counting down to a two-week holiday in Canada this year!
What is your top tip for a healthy work/life balance?
My top tip for a healthy work/life balance is staying relatively fit, hydrated, and having a decent homemade meal for lunch. This can be especially difficult when on the tools but definitely worth it!
Get in touch for Facilities Management Services from Maidenhead Electrical Ltd.
At Maidenhead Electrical Ltd, we have a team of fantastic individuals who are experts in facility management. Whether that's full scale industrial or commercial buildings, or listed buildings, we're able to help in any capacity.
Our engineers are available 24/7, all-year round as part of our "on-call" service that we've implemented as a company to ensure no client is ever left needing help. We're always here for you.
Why not send us an email, so we can chat about your needs.