Communication and Innovation Manager

While attending Queen Elizabeth High School in Carmarthen, I earned my GCSEs with a focus on subjects that aligned with my interests and future career goals. These included English, Business Studies, IT, Media Studies, and Environmental Science. Each subject provided a strong foundation in critical thinking, communication, and digital literacy, which would later be beneficial in both academic and professional settings.

I actively participated in school projects and took on part-time jobs to gain relevant industry experience. Additionally, I got involved in extracurricular activities, such as working on theatre shows and productions, which allowed me to develop teamwork, organisation, and creativity—all skills that I continue to apply in my career today.

During my time at Queen Elizabeth High School in Carmarthen, I pursued A-Levels in Business Studies, Politics, Media Studies, and Graphic Design. These subjects not only expanded my academic knowledge but also fuelled my interest in the intersection of business, creativity, and communication.

While in school, I also gained practical experience by working as an apprentice chef at a local restaurant. This hands-on role allowed me to develop essential culinary skills alongside my studies, helping me balance both academic and professional growth. The experience of working in a fast-paced kitchen environment sharpened my multitasking abilities and gave me insight into customer service and teamwork.

During my Entry-Level Apprenticeship with Babcock International, I qualified as a Commis Chef, gaining hands-on experience and building a strong foundation in the hospitality industry. This apprenticeship allowed me to develop key skills such as effective people management, mastering the ability to run a full service in a busy kitchen environment, and delivering excellent customer service.

In addition to hospitality experience, I received specialized allergen training, which ensured that I could safely accommodate dietary restrictions and prioritize food safety. The fast-paced nature of the role also strengthened my ability to multitask under pressure, coordinating kitchen operations while maintaining a high standard of service. These experiences were pivotal in shaping my culinary expertise and my approach to both teamwork and leadership in a hospitality setting.

In my role as a Full-Time Commis Chef, I had the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills in the hospitality and catering industry. I earned my NVQ Catering Level 5 certification, which provided me with the foundational knowledge necessary to excel in the kitchen. Through on-the-job training, I honed my skills in food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen operations, gaining valuable experience in delivering high-quality dishes in a fast-paced environment.

This role helped me build a strong understanding of kitchen dynamics, teamwork, and the importance of time management. Working closely with senior chefs, I was able to improve my culinary techniques while also learning about kitchen safety and hygiene standards. It was a formative experience that solidified my passion for the catering industry.

In 2020, I made a significant career change and joined CWM Environmental, stepping into the Household Waste Recycling Centre Supervisor role. This marked the beginning of my journey in the environmental sector, where I quickly adapted to the demands of managing recycling operations. My responsibilities included assisting the manager with the daily operations of four household waste recycling centres. I played a key role in ensuring efficient shift allocations, conducting compliance audits, and addressing any concerns within the department. Stakeholder management and customer service were central to my role, requiring me to balance the needs of both internal teams and the general public.

Additionally, I managed various administrative tasks related to the department, ensuring smooth operations across the centres. My eye for detail and creative thinking helped me navigate the complexities of strict environmental and health and safety regulations, ensuring compliance at every level. This role allowed me to develop a strong understanding of waste management processes and further sharpen my ability to problem-solve within a fast-paced environment.

As the Materials Recycling Facility Manager at CWM Environmental, I oversee all operations within the department, ensuring that recyclable materials are sorted, processed, and managed efficiently. I take responsibility for monitoring all equipment, coordinating regular maintenance, and making necessary repairs. In addition to leading and managing the facility team—recruiting, training, and evaluating staff—I ensure full compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. I also develop and implement operational policies and procedures to optimise facility performance. My role involves managing the facility’s budget, working to reduce operational costs, and collaborating with external partners and contractors for material collection and disposal. I track and report on facility performance metrics, including waste volumes and recycling rates, while constantly identifying opportunities for process improvements and increased efficiency. My skills in strategic thinking, negotiation, IT management, and compliance oversight enable me to excel in this position.

In 2022, I transitioned into a new role at CWM Environmental as the Digital Communications and Marketing Manager. Here, I develop and implement marketing campaigns while managing day-to-day marketing activities. I oversee the marketing team, ensuring the smooth execution of tasks, and conduct market research to analyse customer insights. I collaborate closely with the product and sales teams to align our marketing strategies, manage the company’s social media platforms, and maintain an active online presence. I also monitor and report on campaign performance and metrics, manage relationships with external agencies and vendors, and oversee the creation of content for various marketing channels. My focus is on ensuring consistency in brand messaging and visuals across all platforms. This role allows me to apply my skills in strategic thinking, leadership, data-driven decision making, budget management, brand development, and digital marketing expertise, along with my creative vision and adaptability.

In an advanced role such as Head of Marketing, Director of Marketing, or other senior leadership positions, I would be responsible for shaping the overall marketing strategy and ensuring that it aligns with the company’s long-term goals. I would lead the marketing department, managing the team’s activities while ensuring cross-functional coordination across departments. A major focus of this role would be on managing marketing budgets to ensure cost-effective use of resources while driving brand growth and market positioning. I would be expected to analyze market trends and customer insights to inform decision-making and enhance our marketing efforts.

In this role, I would oversee digital marketing initiatives, including campaigns and performance monitoring, to ensure success and continuous improvement. Collaboration with external agencies and partners would also be a key part of the job, ensuring that all marketing activities align with the broader business objectives.

The skills necessary for success in such a position include strategic thinking, leadership, and data-driven decision-making, as well as budget management and brand development. Expertise in digital marketing, communication, creative vision, and market research would be essential to effectively lead the marketing team and drive impactful marketing strategies.

This is a vision of what the role could look like and what I aim to achieve as I progress in my career.