WORK AT INCE / BUSINESS SERVICES / FACILITIES
Scott Arnold, Office Manager
I have done a variety of jobs during the ten years I’ve been with the firm. I started as a General Office Assistant, but was soon promoted to Deputy Supervisor, helping the Office Manager and Supervisor restructure the department. After about nine months I was promoted again to Assistant Office Manager and I stayed in this role for three years until the Office Manager was promoted to General Manager. At that time, office services and facilities were divided between me and a colleague. When she left in 2005, I took over responsibility for both areas.
My job is incredibly varied, which helps keep it interesting. I’m head of department for eight sections of business services. I have to make sure they’re all running as they should be, as well as being involved in building maintenance, space planning, refurbishments, budget control, risk assessment and work station assessments. I also manage my own team, Facilities, which comprises me, two assistants and a secretary.
The firm has really supported my career development, giving me a push, recognising my potential and helping me make the most of my skills. I’ve been on various courses including leadership management, skills training such as presentations, and practical courses like space planning and computer-aided design. I’m just about to start a British Institute of Facilities Management diploma, which is a professional qualification equivalent to a degree. The firm has offered to support me financially, and is giving me the flexibility to take time off to study.
I’m on first name terms with all the partners. It’s a welcoming, friendly atmosphere, which helps explain why so many business services staff have been here for five, ten or even twenty years and more.