Leading by example and learning every day

10 July 2025

With a strong focus on safety, team development and operational efficiency, Rob brings deep technical knowledge and proven leadership to this expanded role overseeing multiple sites.

Can you tell us about your journey at Green Power?

I joined Green Power in 2022 as the Site Manager for our Wallingford facility. From day one, I was responsible for the day-to-day operations, overseeing everything from managing breakdowns and coordinating with the commercial team to ensuring timely feedstock deliveries and maintaining generation efficiency. One of my top priorities was improving health and safety standards on site — creating a safer, more efficient working environment for everyone.

What made the role especially fulfilling was the collaborative atmosphere. I focused on team building, making sure every team member felt involved and valued in the success of our projects. I believe that when everyone is engaged and understands their contribution to the bigger picture, performance naturally improves.

Before joining Green Power, I spent eight years at Thames Water where I worked in anaerobic digestion operations. I also held the position of Process Scientist, specialising in biological site processes. That scientific and technical background helped me bring a different perspective to operations management, especially when it came to troubleshooting and optimising processes.

Being promoted to Regional Operations Manager reflects not only my own development but also the opportunities available at Green Power. It’s a great example of how someone can grow within the company if they're passionate about making a difference and leading by example.

What do you think prepared you for the Regional Operations Manager role?

One of the most valuable aspects of my time as a Site Manager was learning how to effectively plan, prioritise and manage time — especially when juggling multiple competing demands. Early on, I found myself trying to tackle everything at once, which wasn’t always the most efficient approach. Over time, I learned to focus on the tasks that would deliver the greatest impact and contribute most to site performance and team success.

A key challenge was continuously driving operational efficiency while still meeting daily targets and responding to unplanned issues, such as equipment breakdowns. That required staying calm under pressure, thinking ahead and making informed decisions quickly.

Ongoing learning was another major component of the role. I made it a priority to keep up with training, both for myself and my team, to ensure everyone understood our processes, company policies and health and safety standards. This not only improved site operations but also helped build a culture of accountability and growth.

Those experiences, combined with a strong understanding of our technical processes and a commitment to continuous improvement, have equipped me well for the broader responsibilities I take on as a Regional Operations Manager. Being able to lead multiple sites requires the same principles: strategic thinking, team development and a clear focus on what moves the needle.

What did you enjoy most about working as site manager?

What I enjoyed most was the variety — no two days were ever the same. One moment I could be carrying out a risk assessment, the next I might be unblocking a pump or replacing a gearbox. The hands-on nature of the role, combined with the need for quick thinking and problem-solving, kept things constantly engaging.

Another aspect I really valued was the level of communication and collaboration across the business. As a Site Manager, you’re not operating in isolation. You're in regular contact with different teams—from operations and maintenance to health and safety and the commercial side—which helps you stay connected to the bigger picture.

And perhaps most importantly, there’s a strong sense of support here. When something doesn't go to plan, you're never left to deal with it alone. Everyone pulls together to find solutions. Colleagues are quick to offer advice, share ideas and step in when needed. That kind of culture makes a huge difference — not just in how the site runs, but in how supported you feel as a leader.

Being a Site Manager was both challenging and rewarding, and the collaborative spirit is a big part of what makes it such a fulfilling role.

What key learnings would you like to pass on to others looking to grow their careers?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the value of teamwork and knowledge sharing. Working closely with your team and being open with information isn’t just good leadership — it’s essential for smooth day-to-day operations. When everyone understands what’s happening on site and why, it builds trust and enables people to step up when it matters most.

I also believe in giving team members opportunities to grow by involving them in new projects and tasks outside their usual routines. It’s easy to fall into repetitive patterns, but real development happens when people are challenged in the right way. Encouraging inclusion and variety helps individuals grow their confidence and skill sets, which ultimately strengthens the whole team.

Another key takeaway is the importance of recognising when someone is ready for more — or ready for something different. Growth doesn't always mean moving upward immediately. Sometimes it’s about moving sideways to learn new parts of the business. I always try to support that by connecting people with the right teams and using the wider support network we have across the company.

At the end of the day, we are one team. Helping each other grow, sharing knowledge and supporting development across the business not only improves performance but also makes it a more rewarding place to work.

What contributed to your growth and success within the company?

It was having the confidence to speak up and share my opinions. At Green Power, your voice matters — whether it's suggesting a safety improvement, leading a new project or offering ideas to enhance operational efficiency. I’ve always believed that if you see an opportunity to make something better, you should take ownership of it. That mindset helped me drive positive changes not just on my site, but across the business.

Working well with others was equally important. Running a site effectively means collaborating with different departments, staying aligned with wider business goals and sharing knowledge openly. I’ve always made a point of passing on my experiences to others and that kind of knowledge exchange benefits everyone.

Another major factor was training. When I joined the company, I received a lot of support and development opportunities, and I made sure to stay open to learning. I actually enjoy training and see it as a chance to grow both personally and professionally.

Finally, staying calm under pressure and leading by example has been key. Site operations can be unpredictable, but it’s important to guide your team through challenges with focus and composure. Keeping the team steady, motivated and working toward the same goals makes all the difference — and it’s something I’ve carried with me as I’ve progressed into my new role.