Welcome to our new Schools Plus Interview series – Who do you think we are?
In our new weekly interview series members of the Schools Plus team will be asked a series of questions about them and their job here at Schools Plus. We thought this would be a great way to find out more about Schools Plus staff. There is a huge array of jobs and people here at Schools Plus so every interview will be totally different. You will get an insight into their day to day life, their time before Schools Plus and a bit more about the team.
Who are you?
Simon Kidby
What is your role at Schools Plus?
Business Development Manager responsible for Company Wide Sales and Marketing including the Customer Contact Centre and Multi-Site users to name two. Area Manager for Charlotte who runs the operation at The Swanage School and a member of the Schools Plus Leadership Team.
As Schools Plus is all over the country where are you based?
South West England, mostly I can be found in the new Customer Contact Centre in Bournemouth, working from home in Swanage or on the road meeting prospective multi-site users anywhere the UK.
How long have you worked for Schools Plus?
Just over 5 years. Started as Venue Manager in 2012 running the Harris Academy Falconwood and Trinity School in Belvedere, I then progressed to Area Management in 2014 managing anywhere between 7 and 10 Venue Managers over 20 sites. In October 2016, I took up appointment as the Business Development Manager retaining my position within the Company’s Senior Leadership Team with emphasis on growing our top line.
What did you do before you worked at Schools Plus?
I worked in the Ministry of Defence for the 25 years prior to joining Schools Plus in 2012 latterly as an HR Consultant in Whitehall. I’ve only ever had 2 employers in 30 years of employment I’ve been very lucky!!
What is your favourite part about working for Schools Plus?
The flexibility to dictate my work life balance, driving new business and obviously the great people who work in the company who create a real family atmosphere and such a wonderful place to work.
Can you describe a typical working day for you?
Recently my days have been spent setting up our new customer contact centre in Bournemouth, locating an office, outlining new policies and procedures, procuring a VOIP system, not to mention recruiting and training staff. In between times I continue to drive business in the form of new multi-site user partnerships
What do you think the future holds for Schools Plus?
Its exciting times at Schools Plus growth is excellent, a new customer contact centre will be up and running in a few weeks and we have a new computer system on the horizon. I have no doubt we will also be expanding our current portfolio of services to schools beyond the fully managed community lettings service, our relief caretaking service and the consultancy service to schools who run their own in house operation into new areas.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Professional Football Scout and Head of Player Recruitment at a Football Agency supporting players released from pro academies back into the game and progressing semi-professional to play the highest level that their ability allows.
You are a crayon in the box what colour would you be and why?
Blue; It is often associated with depth and stability.
Finally, what is your favourite song and why?
I’m an 80s fan so it has to be Blue Monday by New Order.
Come back next week to see our next interview of the series.