A Chat with… Kerry (Building Manager)
Kerry joined Botanica Ditton Park back in 2000 working HR for the previous landlord. After being made redundant in 2018 she came back as the building manager in 2020 working for the new landlord and has been thriving in the role, known throughout the building as the “woman that gets *stuff* done” (though we wouldn’t say stuff). She is your go to for all building issues or queries, loves a musical or country music sing song in her office and gives her all to the space. After working in this building for so long, she knows her stuff and takes pride in the Botanica building. But don’t get on her wrong side, she’s a stern woman when she needs to be!
Tell us a bit about your role.
As the Building Manager I oversee and manage the day-to-day Operations and Health & Safety Compliance on-site alongside a dedicated team of contractors including security officers, engineers, landscape gardeners, fitness instructor, receptionists, catering team and cleaners. The priority is to ensure that Botanica is operating as smoothly and efficiently as possible for the tenants on-site. Each day is different in Facilities Management. One day I could be dealing with a broken boiler and the next I could be dealing with financial issues or a Health & Safety Inspection. I enjoy the diversity of the workload. Building relationships with tenants is a great perk of the job too – you work alongside people on a daily basis so getting to know them is part of the territory.
What do you enjoy most about working at Botanica?
The beautiful surroundings are probably what makes it enjoyable working here. You can take a step out of our doors, and you’re greeted by so much nature. It’s perfect regardless of what your mood is and there’s always something to look at or watch. Plus, all the walking I am able to do when I’m out and about the site helps me get my steps in!
What is your go-to productivity hack?
I put everything in my outlook calendar to ensure nothing gets missed or forgotten, this also serves as a record if needed in the future. I also love a spreadsheet!
What are the biggest challenges you have ever faced?
In December 2018 I was made redundant along with 80% of the workforce when my previous employer was acquired, it was a challenging time but ultimately led me to where I am now, so as hard as it was then, I don’t really look back on that time with too much negativity. I wouldn’t recommend it though!
If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead) who would they be and why?
Jamie Redknapp (my teenage and still now, my adult crush), Elvis Presley and Michael Bublé for a good old sing song. You’re never too old to have a mini world tour.
What is the app you can’t live without?
Instagram. It’s necessary for work but also to alleviate boredom and to relax.
What has been your proudest achievement so far either in life or at work?
I completed the NEBOSH General H&S Certificate this year and was over the moon when I did as this is a really tough 24-hour exam to get through, thankfully you only have to do it once. It sounds boring I suppose when you think other people would probably say skydiving or raising so much money for a charity, but this was tough and still very important so to say I achieved it gives me a great sense of pride.