After successfully completing our Graduate Programme with her Geography degree, Briony is now a Collections Manager within Wastewater.
After graduating with a BSc in Geography from the London School of Economics, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in utilities. I chose Anglian Water’s Graduate Management Programme because it was a broad management scheme that offered an excellent range of opportunities.
From day one, the training I received was fantastic. I really enjoyed the two-week induction as I got to learn a lot about myself and the way I approach certain situations. The process also involved day-long training courses where you’d learn about wider business issues like HR policy and people management.
Right now, it’s my job to ensure resources are in the right place at the right time – and that there are no pollution incidents in the network. Sewer flooding is one of the biggest issues I have to deal with, as is phosphate removal.
Being a Wastewater Collection Manager can feel quite isolating at times, as the wider team are often out and about in the field dealing with customer enquiries. However, this also means that it gives me the opportunity to be out there managing the performance and health and safety of my team.
My biggest challenge since joining Anglian Water was walking into my first team meeting as the manager, but perhaps the toughest aspect of my job is when the phone rings at two o’clock in the morning and I have to deal with an urgent operational incident there and then!
As well as hands-on day-to-day management, I get to influence the strategic direction of my business area. This involves reviewing processes and implementing changes wherever I see necessary.
I love the fact that everything is connected within the business – which means you get to influence a lot of people both inside and outside of your direct remit. Knowing that I’m trusted to take charge of managing a £million budget gives me a great sense of achievement as well.
I can honestly say that no two days are the same in operational management at Anglian Water. The job is so robust and varied, and you get to work in a really interesting and lively environment – you’ll never be stuck in the office looking for something to do!