Stacey’s Q&A

How did your career lead you to Macro Group?

I had been working for a leading professional services company for a few years and was starting to feel like I needed a new challenge and came across the advertisement of Facilities Management and Performance Manager at what is now called the IFS Cloud cable car. Like most people then I wasn’t aware one was being built but I did my research and thought that, if ever there was a challenge a cable car would be it, and the rest is history.

What training did you take to advance your career?

One course that really stands out is The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH). I had my Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) when I joined but it became very clear that I needed a little more given the third-party risk of members of the public that we had at the cable car, and because working at height had taken on a whole new meaning. Although challenging, it gave me the knowledge to contest with confidence when it came to managing risk and really helped me progress.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

Gain as much relevant experience as you can.  Every move I have made in my career has enhanced my learning in different areas of the business. I started out in Central Services Facilities Management, moved for onsite experience and then into a project that wasn’t yet built. That all round experience has been invaluable. Also get stuck in and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, it’s the best way to learn.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

Maybe that I’m a fully qualified scuba diving instructor. Diving has taken me to lots of exciting places. The highlights have got to be swimming with whale sharks in Mexico, shore diving in Bonaire - you just hire a truck and some empty cylinders and pull up on the beach and get in - or the Great Barrier Reef on Christmas Day!

If you hadn’t got into this line of work what do you think you might be doing?

I’d like to say I’d be on stage as I started out in the performing arts but I think in my heart of hearts I know that isn’t true! Probably something within the travel industry!