Gabriella Robinson- Facilities Maintenance Assistant Manager

Rella’s professional path is anything but traditional.  Starting her career as a Mortgage Advisor, she later transitioned into a Process Improvement role in the banking industry.  "Believe it or not, when I moved to Perth eight years ago, no one really knew what process improvement was," Rella reflects.  This gap in familiarity, combined with her willingness to explore new avenues, led her into the world of Facilities Management.

"It was a balancing act; I had been travelling for six months and needed to ease back into work while still enjoying my new surroundings," she shares.  This led her to an unexpected two-week administrative role at the City of Perth supporting their Facility Management (FM) team.  "That role turned into 3.5 wonderful years where I managed some of the city's largest FM portfolios, like Council House and the Perth Concert Hall.  I loved the challenge of thinking on my feet and discovering efficient solutions for a wide range of reactive maintenance requests.”
 
Through determination and hard work, Rella gradually carved out a career for herself in Facilities Maintenance, finally joining the Sodexo family.

As the Facilities Maintenance Assistant Manager, Rella's primary responsibilities are vast and crucial to the success of the department.  "I focus on supporting the overall management and operations of our Facilities Maintenance department," she says.  "My key objectives are to drive continual improvement strategies and initiatives that prevent incidents while aligning our operations with clients across the Pilbara region."

Rella’s journey as a woman in a leadership role within the Facilities Maintenance field has been not only rewarding but also transformative.  “Being a woman in this industry has allowed me to bring a fresh perspective,” she reflects.

"It is incredibly fulfilling to mentor others and advocate for the importance of inclusion within our team.  Leadership is not determined by gender identity; anyone can be a good leader.  Everyone should have equal opportunities, and through my work, I strive to create those opportunities for others."

She places great importance on the support she receives from her colleagues, highlighting how essential teamwork is to her success.  “Knowing I can rely on my team’s expertise in specialised topics has significantly boosted my confidence,” Rella explains.  “Their encouragement reinforces the belief that we can all thrive and succeed together, in an environment where everyone’s skills and insights are valued.”

Recognising the challenges women face in traditionally male-dominated fields, Rella advises aspiring leaders, "Stand tall and ask questions."  She passionately believes that curiosity and confidence will pave the way for many others to follow.  Reflecting on her path, she notes how the support of women who were promoted into leadership positions at Sodexo inspired her.  “It was refreshing to see women being recognised for their hard work and talent, reinforcing that I could also pursue a leadership role,” she shares.

For those considering a career with Sodexo or the FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) lifestyle, Rella is an enthusiastic advocate.  She states, “At Sodexo, there are numerous growth opportunities; it’s a company where I found my place, and I believe you will too.”  She highlights that Sodexo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a supportive environment and encourages potential candidates to embrace the chance to make a positive contribution to their teams.

Rella is consistently committed to ensuring safety in her role.  Why is safety important? “Life is too short. I want everyone to stay safe, enjoy life to the fullest, and not take unnecessary risks at work,” she states.  “Safety is not just about following rules; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels secure and valued.  When people know they can trust their surroundings and their teammates, they’re more likely to take initiative, share ideas, and collaborate freely without the fear of compromising their well-being.”

Rella Robinson's journey at Sodexo is inspiring and showcases the remarkable opportunities for growth and leadership in Facilities Maintenance.  Her story demonstrates how passion and perseverance can lead to a rewarding career.  As Rella continues to forge her path, she serves as a role model for both current and future employees, helping to advance the Sodexo mission.