team talk: ANU RAJAK

OFFICE MANAGER

We had the pleasure of interviewing Anu, who has been a part of our team at iSpace Solutions for just over a year. During this time, she has made significant progress in her career, working closely with Javier and the rest of the team. Here’s an insight into her journey, her day-to-day, her goals and her accomplishments so far…

It's great to see how far you've come since our last interview. I remember you mentioned that joinery was a new world for you, but now that you've settled into the job, I'm sure you've gained a lot more expertise in the field.
Anu: To be honest, my current role is not directly related to the technical side of joinery. But I am very much involved in all other aspects of each job from start to finish. I primarily handle accounts, HR, and other aspects of the business, but not the hands-on joinery work or installations. My focus is more on office management and operations to help smooth flow of jobs.

So, even though your role may not be directly involved in the technical aspects, you play an integral part in keeping the team running smoothly on a day-to-day basis.
Anu: Yes, that's correct. No one would come to me with technical questions or for detailed information about the technical aspects of our projects. But, for anything other than these, I am the first point of contact for everyone. I manage the office and assist everyone with their needs.

In terms of day-to-day operations, do you interact with the team frequently or mainly focus on specific roles?
Anu: My role is very diverse, and I am often wearing multiple hats. There are certain tasks that I take care of on my own while I work closely with other team members for many. I handle office, accounts, payroll, finance, HR, and other related duties independently. I also work with different team members throughout the different phases of our projects. I work with our estimator, Rick during tenders and the initial days of jobs. Once a job is awarded to us and moves into production and eventually instal, I liaise with our factory manager, Chad for factory and manufacture updates and with project manager for onsite updates to keep a track of job progress and see how jobs are flowing against the targeted schedules. Since, there is always multiple jobs in play I work with the whole team on a day- to- day basis. I work very closely with our director, Javier on scheduling, budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and reports .

So, your role plays a crucial part in ensuring the smooth flow of jobs from start to finish. Timely invoicing is vital for maintaining financial stability.
Anu: Exactly. I talk to clients, builders and other stakeholders as required throughout a job. I follow up quotes with the end clients or builders and answer queries or direct them to Javier when necessary. I work continuously with the estimator, factory manager and project manager to track job progress and take any necessary steps to ensure jobs are running as per schedules. Also, I ensure the invoicing aligns with the production progress and payments are received on time, so cash flow is always smooth.

Since starting this job, what would you say is your favourite part of it, and how has it changed over time?
Anu: I love the fact that my role isn't limited to a single task. I constantly take on new responsibilities, which keeps things interesting. For example, I now handle some HR-related tasks that I hadn't done before. I enjoy learning and expanding my skills. Whenever Javier assigns me something new, I research and study to gather the necessary information. The job never gets boring because every day presents new opportunities for growth.

So, your role allows you to learn and adapt, constantly building your expertise and knowledge as you go along?
Anu: Yes, exactly. My role is very diverse and no two days at work are the same for me. There is always something new to learn. While I have long-term experience in certain aspects of my job, there are other areas that are still new to me, such as HR. It's a continuous learning process, and I appreciate the chance to expand my skills here at iSpace Solutions.

Do you feel that being part of a smaller company has provided you with more opportunities to take on diverse responsibilities and grow professionally?
Anu: Absolutely. Working in a smaller company like iSpace Solutions has allowed me to wear multiple hats and take on diverse responsibilities. In a larger organisation, I believe roles are often more specialised, and there may be less room for cross-functional collaboration. However, at iSpace Solutions, I have the opportunity to work closely with different team members and departments, which has broadened my skill set.

Being part of a smaller company also means that decisions can be made more quickly. There is less bureaucracy and red tape to navigate, allowing us to be nimble and adaptable. This agility has given me the chance to be involved in various aspects of the business and contribute in meaningful ways.

It sounds like the dynamic and fast-paced environment of a smaller company has been beneficial for your professional growth. Have you faced any challenges in adapting to your evolving role and the demands of the job?
Anu: Certainly, there have been challenges along the way. As someone with limited prior experience in joinery and the construction industry, there was a learning curve in understanding the terminology, processes, and technical aspects. However, I've been proactive in seeking knowledge and learning from my colleagues, which has helped me overcome these challenges.

Another aspect is balancing multiple responsibilities. Juggling various tasks, from accounting to HR to office management, can be demanding at times. However, effective time management, prioritisation, and clear communication with the team have been key in managing these challenges.

It's great to hear that you've been proactive in acquiring knowledge and skills to overcome those initial challenges. Time management and effective communication are indeed crucial skills when handling multiple responsibilities. Have you received any support or mentorship from your colleagues or the leadership team to aid in your professional development?
Anu: Absolutely. The team at iSpace Solutions has been incredibly supportive and willing to share their expertise. Javier, our Managing Director, has been a great mentor to me. He has provided guidance and insights into the joinery industry, shared valuable resources, and encouraged me to take on new challenges.

Furthermore, my colleagues in the estimating and factory management departments have been instrumental in helping me understand the technical aspects of joinery and providing assistance whenever I have questions. We have a collaborative culture where everyone is willing to lend a hand and share their knowledge. Additionally, we are members with the Joinery Coach, a program to coach and advise joinery businesses to advance their knowledge and professional skills and grow. With this program, I have access to numerous programs, courses, and group/individual training sessions I can turn to when required.

Having a supportive team and mentors can make a significant difference in professional growth. It's wonderful to hear that you have such a collaborative environment at iSpace Solutions. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations or goals within the company?
Anu: My primary goal is to continue learning and growing within the company. I want to further expand my knowledge of the joinery industry and gain a deeper understanding of our processes. As I become more familiar with the technical aspects, I aim to contribute more to the estimation process and support our team in delivering accurate and timely proposals.

I aspire to take on more responsibilities in the areas of HR and office management. I believe there is room for me to contribute further in streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring a positive working environment for everyone.

Those are great aspirations, and it's clear that you have a strong drive for continuous learning and improvement. Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share about your experience and growth at iSpace Solutions?
Anu: I would just like to emphasise how grateful I am for the opportunities and support I've received at iSpace Solutions. This role has allowed me to develop skills beyond my initial expectations and expand my horizons in the joinery and construction industry. It's a dynamic and exciting environment where every day brings something new.

The collaborative and supportive nature of the team has made a significant impact on my growth, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of iSpace Solutions while furthering my professional development. I'm very happy here and I see myself working here for a long time.

CLICK HERE for more about Anu and the team

and HERE if you’d like to join the I Space Solutions team