SafeGroup’s new resource planner typifies the talents the fast-expanding emergency cleaning and waste specialist is adding to its team – she loves helping customers and relishes a challenge.
Vladislava Stanchevska worked as a restaurant deputy manager at London Gatwick Airport until she lost her job as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc with international aviation.
Now she is putting customer service skills honed at the UK’s second busiest airport to excellent use, coordinating SafeGroup’s respond to cleaning and waste emergencies across the UK.
Wayne Basham, SafeGroup’s Head of Operations, said: “Vladislava has been with the company for a matter of months but from day one she has shown great flair in responding to the biggest challenges the FM industry can throw at us.
“SafeGroup has an ambitious growth plans which depend on delivering consistently excellent service, which is why we’re recruiting talented customer service professionals like Vladislava into key roles.”
SafeGroup is one of the UK’s leading specialist cleaning, decontamination and waste services provider delivering services that include fire and flood recovery cleaning, COVID-19 deep cleaning and prevention, fly-tip clearance and hazardous waste removal.
Vladislava, a university marketing graduate, rose rapidly through the ranks after starting work in hospitality at London Gatwick. Now she is pleased she has had the opportunity to join SafeGroup.
She says: “What I like about SafeGroup is that the business likes challenges. We’re always prepared to step up and support our customers whatever troubles they have. We’re always there for them.
“That means every day is different and there is always something new to learn. It’s fast-paced in the restaurant trade, especially at London Gatwick, but it’s just as busy here. There are no dull moments.”
A case in point, the previous evening, Vladislava had worked with colleagues to mobilise a team to a flood caused by a burst water pipe on the retail floor of a top London department store.
The first response team had been on site until 5am and Vladislava was supporting more SafeGroup personnel needed to complete the flood recovery and drying process.
She says: “Being able to help customers having bad experiences gives everyone at SafeGroup a lot of satisfaction, whether they are a big business or a single householder affected by a fire. We’re here to make people feel happy again.”
SafeGroup’s team of operational planners play a pivotal role, building trust with customers and then coordinating the operational teams so they have the information and right mix of skills in the team to complete tough tasks safely and effectively.
The COVID-19 pandemic has added an extra layer of complexity, as the planning and helpdesk teams work with customers and operational teams to ensure everyone feels safe responding to a cleaning or waste emergency during conditions of strict social distancing.
Vladislava explains: “We are constantly talking so the customers and our teams know what’s happening and what we’re expecting to achieve. Our job plans for the next day can change completely overnight if a major emergency occurs. It’s exciting but you must have the passion needed to see things through and react quickly.”
