Meet Michael Longyear, transport coordinator

Michael joined TJ Waste in September and is enjoying learning the ropes and getting to know the team. Outside of work he’s a keen gym-goer and also plays rugby for Havant RFC – his team is the highest ranked in the area! 

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?

My role involves a bit of everything really! It’s primarily managing the day-to-day running of the vehicles and making sure that the drivers are doing their jobs as well as doing all they can to increase efficiency. I also liaise with customers and deal with some of the more complex jobs that come in. This is for all bookings from skips and ROROs, to our van collection service and day work, which is where we hire our vehicles out for the day to do work for partner companies. I have to plan around the routes of our artic lorries to ensure our sites don’t get overcrowded too, which can be quite a juggling act!

WHAT’S YOUR CAREER BACKGROUND?

I came from a competitor company so I’ve done a very similar role before, which is good as I’m able to bring that knowledge to TJ. As I have experience of the industry and client liaison, it has made settling into this role much easier. 

WHAT ARE THE MOST REWARDING PARTS OF YOUR ROLE?

Making sure everything is completed at the end of the day is one of things that I enjoy most. I react to things quickly to ensure that everything’s done and that everyone’s needs are fulfilled as far as possible – basically ensuring that everyone is happy!

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR ROLE?

Keeping the drivers and customers happy can sometimes be challenging! Issues do pop up from time to time and I always want to make sure that they’re resolved in the correct way and so that everyone’s happy with the outcome.

HOW HAS TJ SUPPORTED YOU SINCE YOU JOINED?

I spent the first two weeks training and I know that I can ask for support whenever something new crops up. Over the past couple of months I’ve learnt several new systems as well as how TJ works as a company. TJ is the sort of place that I feel I can grow; it seems to have a very open culture where the management encourages employees’ progression and supports Continuing Professional Development, which is great.

WHAT DO YOU PRIDE YOURSELF ON?

My communication and planning skills; I’m very organised and my perfectionist tendencies definitely help me in this role!

WHAT ARE YOUR AIMS FOR THE NEXT YEAR?

Firstly I want to make sure that I pass my probation, then just keep working hard, perhaps moving more into the commercial side of the business in the long term. I want to learn as much as I can about the company; you learn more with each day and it’s great to have that background industry knowledge to fall back on too.

WHY IS TJ A GREAT PLACE TO WORK?

It has a very relaxed atmosphere and everyone is very open. As an employee, you’re well informed and you have more control over your role and more understanding about the way the business operates. This creates more loyalty and dedication to what you’re doing and to the company, which is extremely positive.

Find out more about our services and meet other team members on our blog thread…