Staff interview: Steve Grant, Commercial Director

A bit about Steve

Steve has over 30 years’ experience in quarrying, aggregate products, ready mixed concrete and waste treatment from various roles in London and the home counties. He’s responsible for TJ’s procurement network of quarries, wharves and landfills, in addition to strategically leading the sales team.

Steve has a keen interest in cricket and as a former player himself loves to watch as many matches as possible. He’s also a ECB Level 2 cricket coach and chairman of a local team. Steve is a family man who enjoys spending quality time with his two teenage children – even if that often involves acting as their personal chauffeur of an evening!

What made you want to work for TJ?

TJ’s Chairman, Terry Higgins, approached me to see whether I’d be interested in working with him at TJ. I knew there would be some terrific opportunities here and decided to take him up on his offer. That was now 12 years ago and I’ve never looked back!

What does your role involve?

I oversee and manage the commercial aspects of the group with a primary focus on Transport, Aggregate sales and large scale contracts and projects. I’m always on the lookout for new sites and opportunities and areas for business development. Part of my role also includes the strategic management of our sales team.

Has much changed during your time here?

It’s changed enormously! Turnover has almost trebled, the size of our fleet is into the 100’s and the number of staff has grown massively – we’re now up to around 250 members of staff across our sites.

Tell us a bit about the sales team…

We have a fantastic team of people in sales; some specialising in all aspects of the group. They all share the TJ ethos: that customer service is paramount. They’re very customer focused and do all they can to ensure a positive outcome every time. Our benchmark is that we always want to get a quote back to the customer the same day. People don’t want to hang around waiting for a quote, so we prioritise every enquiry to ensure they receive the information they need quickly.

How do you see TJ growing and changing in the future?

A particular focus i would like to ensue is the continued expansion of the geographical service area, facilities and products. We will continue to offer outstanding customer service – the thing we pride ourselves on – as well as offer the “personal touch” of a small company, with the confidence of a large company.

What has been your proudest TJ achievement?

The acquisition of TJ’s two quarries. I instigated and coordinated the buy-in to Hythe Quarry, which has been fruitful since quarrying began there in 2018. I also negotiated and managed the purchase of Butser Quarry in Petersfield, which was a huge accomplishment. Acquiring these two sites has enabled TJ to go to the next level as we are now able to supply aggregates to the construction and other industries rather than just transporting it.

Another big accomplishment for myself and the company is the successful negotiations and management of soil importation and course improvements at the following golf clubs;

• Littlehampton
• Basingstoke
• Test Valley
• Skylark

We recognise that this is a huge growth area for TJ’s and wish to continue to expand in this area where we can.

Why is TJ a great place to work?

It’s an independent company which means that every voice can be heard and all opinions listened to. There is constant innovation within the company which is exciting and paves the way for growth and development. There’s also an extremely good team spirit throughout the company which keeps motivation levels high. Most importantly, TJ has always been a company with an overriding desire to listen to the customer and deliver a service that fulfills their needs – which means it can’t go far wrong!

Find out more about the services TJ offer…