WHAT IS YOUR JOB?

I am the works manager for the fibre optic rollout project in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais (THD 59-62). I work under the head of production at Axione and I head up a team made up of site managers, foremen and telecom technicians.

WHAT HAS YOUR CAREER PATH BEEN?

For ten or so years I worked as a site foreman in the radio rollout sector for other operators. In fact, I was already working in telecoms but not with fibre optics.

HOW DID YOU COME TO JOIN AXIONE?

Actually I spotted the FTTH project for the Nord-Pas-de-Calais early on. Given that it was the biggest project in terms of the sockets to be deployed in France as part of the Public Initiative Networks, I found the working environment very stimulating ! I applied for the job directly on the website, and afterwards Human Resources contacted me and I quickly had my first interview. I joined Axione in January 2017.

AND AFTER YOU ARRIVED?

In 2017, I joined the Deployment Division as a works coordinator. I had that job for two and a half years, and last year the position of works manager became vacant. Priority was given to internal applicants and I was finally chosen for the job. This promotion was a great opportunity for me and now I get to have a much broader scope of responsibilities.

WHAT IS IT THAT GETS YOU UP IN THE MORNING?

In my job, the human side is very important and I find it stimulating every day. Being close to my teams is what counts for me! The management of my teams is done face to face, unlike my past experience, and that’s what I appreciate every day- the relationships I have with my co-workers.

A HOBBY?

I did a lot of trail running in the past, in fact I’m aiming to take it up again, really! I also play futsal with my colleagues, we regularly hold matches between DPL and DHR, we mix up the teams, there’s a great atmosphere, there’s a fair amount of teasing on the pitch but it stays friendly.

And we also took part in the Frapadingue. It’s an obstacle course packed with hurdles, ladders to climb, tunnels to crawl through, mud etc.! We made up an Axione team for the event. We are really looking forward to the next one!

AND TO END WITH….HOW DO YOU KEEP PEOPLE ON THEIR TOES?

By innovating! I try never to rest on my laurels, to look ahead and anticipate my co-workers needs. In concrete terms, recently I put a suggestions box in the office. The idea is for all members of staff to put in the suggestions they’d like to see, so that I can then analyse their needs and potentially establish an action plan that responds to their needs. There’s a great working atmosphere, but it’s one that has to be nurtured every day, remaining alert and attentive to my teams. Listening is key!

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