How did it feel to be nominated?

It came as a complete surprise, but I was delighted! It’s lovely to be acknowledged by the wider industry for something like this. But I do always feel a bit bashful about these things!

Can you tell us about your career?

It’s not uncommon to hear in this industry, but I completely fell into construction! I started in Marshalls plc’s credit control team before moving into the sales office, which I found really interesting – I was there for 17 years. 

But I was looking for a new challenge – when an opportunity with Keyline as a Key Account Manager for Yorkshire came up, I took it. I loved this role because I was constantly getting out and seeing customers and directly involved in winning orders and projects. 

I was then asked to do a Business Development role, working closely with the commercial teams at a national level before becoming Regional Trading Manager. This was followed by setting up the dedicated national infrastructure team, and then entering my current role, as Regional Sales Director.

I’ve worked in most areas of the business, which gives me great insight into the challenges different departments face. 

Why do you think you were nominated?

I love my job. I’m very enthusiastic and passionate about what I do, whether I’m in front of a customer, a supplier, or my team.

People might have seen that enthusiasm and passion – I don’t know!

What’s the secret to your success?

I’m always looking to challenge myself – it’s something that my dad instilled in me. Hard work reaps rewards. 

I always want to push myself to be the best, and education is a key part of that for me, alongside the lived practical experience.  I did my business degree while working full time, so I’ve always been on the journey of learning while working; I’m in the middle of completing a master’s in leadership. The world is moving so quickly – I want to be at the forefront of things that are happening, so I can use that to help our business perform. 

Maintaining relationships is also important.  Whether it’s customers, suppliers or my team – developing those relationships is vital. I spend a lot of time working with my team – helping to develop, support, and motivate. I take this responsibility most seriously; helping people harness their passion and reach their goals.

How do you balance completing a master’s with your work?

It is difficult, it absolutely is, however I’m really enjoying it! I always want to continue to develop and challenge my own thinking and preconceptions, and really understand how people tick and what motivates teams – all those dynamics. I find it really interesting. 

That’s what keeps me going with it, because I do get so much out of it. Even though it’s hard work trying to juggle it with everything else.

How do you support your team? 

I like to be a visible leader; that support goes a long way. 

Seven Key Account Managers in the north report to me, and they’re spread from Birmingham to Inverness! We do joint visits to customers, so they can see how I interact with the customers, and give feedback. Because I’ve done their role, I understand the pressures, and where I can challenge them.

A few of them are on leadership LEAP apprenticeship courses at the moment, so I’m able to really help them with that side of things as well as the business side of things. 

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your time at Keyline?

During my second year at the business, I was named Key Account Manager of the Year at the Keyline conference – that was my first award and acknowledgement; it told me I’m doing something right! That was a real highlight.

I also won the Builders Merchant Award for Trainee of the Year in 2020, for my level 5 apprenticeship. It was a nice feeling, even if I couldn’t attend the awards due to Covid!

Have you got any advice for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Just keep challenging yourself. Constantly ask yourself how can I be better tomorrow, how can I be better next week? Take that time to collect your thoughts and be really purposeful with everything that you do.

Do you have any goals for the next 12 months?

From a personal perspective, the focus is my master's – I’m due to complete it at the end of next year. But also to make sure I mesh that with work and use it to try and enhance the business as well.

From a business and team point of view, to ensure that the region is successful and achieves everything that we need. More than that, to make sure my team feel fulfilled and are on the way to reaching their own goals. That’s always on my mind.

Congratulations once again to Sam on her very well-deserved nomination!  For all the latest job vacancies across our Group visit https://www.tpplccareers.co.uk/about-us or if you are interested in starting an apprenticeship, explore your options today: https://www.leapapprenticeships.co.uk/