When it comes to managing the team of dedicated recyclers at EMR Edmonton, Non-Ferrous Team Leader Sian Page is the woman responsible for ensuring that every employee contributes to the efficient, safe and sustainable running of the facility.
“I'm responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the non-ferrous yard, reporting to the Operations Manager,” says Sian. “That means overseeing the quality of the non-ferrous materials that arrive here at the yard, managing stock levels and being responsible for my team members. This includes their safety and welfare.”
It's not without its challenges, but it’s a role Sian has displayed a natural ability for. Nonetheless, Sian says she “fell into” the industry, almost by accident, while making plans to work for herself:
“I’m a qualified personal trainer and was looking to open my own business. As a stop gap, I joined a ready-mix concrete company but ended up staying there for six years. As part of that job, I was sent out to build relationships with site managers and gain information about their operations for a new business they were starting.”
This ultimately led to Sian helping her employer sign an all-important contract with an important customer:
“I was working for a small business and, eventually, I realised that there wouldn’t be many opportunities to climb the ladder and progress my career. That helped me to make the decision to move on and apply for the role with EMR.”
EMR’s company culture ensured Sian had a seamless transition into her new role, she says:
“I felt immediately valued as a team member and EMR invested in my training - from health and safety and how to operate a telehandler to first aid – all within the first month of joining. I also got a chance to meet so many different people and everyone was so supportive.”
Now, as Team Leader, Sian can provide the same opportunities to her team.
“EMR offers so many courses and paths for hardworking employees to take to develop their careers,” she says.
While Sian joined in a customer service position at EMR Barking, she quite quickly had the opportunity for a promotion to Team Leader at EMR Edmonton – achieving the progress in her career that she felt was lacking before joining EMR.
And, as one of the small - but growing - number of women gaining senior positions within operational roles in the recycling industry, it has also given Sian the opportunity to feel like something of a pioneer.
“Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, my decisions were influenced by my upbringing and what was seen as socially acceptable for a woman – which meant becoming a nurse or something similar. Now I tell my daughters if you want to be a labourer – do that. If you want to be a lorry driver, then be a lorry driver. If you want to be a beautician or hairdresser, then that’s fine too. It’s just about finding something you are good at and then sticking with it.”
It's a mantra that Sian is living by each day at EMR Edmonton too:
“I’ve only been with EMR for 14 months and there’s still many things – like how to operate a crane or some of the heavier machinery – that I’m looking forward to learning. But, looking ahead, I’ve felt so encouraged and supported here that maybe, if I work hard and take advantage of the opportunities EMR provides for training and progression, I could be running a site myself one day – why not?”
Read about other people who make EMR a great place to work, learn about our culture and values, or see our latest vacancies.
