Jade Saunders - Regional Manager
Unlocking Potential: A Path from Maintenance Supervisor to Regional Manager
Resilience, growth and a passion for leadership have defined Jade's remarkable journey with Sodexo. Starting as a maintenance supervisor in the remote town of Jabiru, Northern Territory, Jade's career has flourished, culminating in his current role as a regional manager, where he leads a large and diverse team with his inspiring leadership. His story is a testament to the opportunities and growth Sodexo offers to those ready to embrace new challenges and adventures.
"Joining Sodexo has been a journey of growth and resilience," Jade muses. "Taking that leap was daunting, especially moving my family to Jabiru—a remote town in the NT—but it's been worth every moment."
Different Strokes: Seizing the Opportunity to Grow
"I'm a painter by trade," Jade reminisces, casting his mind back to his early days. “I always knew I had it in me to become much more. I was good at working with teams and making real connections with people. All I needed was an opportunity.”
And that opportunity came in the form of a job from Sodexo. The only catch was that it was in the remote town of Jabiru. “No fly-in, fly-out. Just packing up and moving was the only option available," Jade remembers his dilemma. But with reassurance from his former manager and confidence in Sodexo’s supportive culture, Jade and his family felt safe, and they embarked on this exciting opportunity as an adventure. And that’s how Jade began his tenure with Sodexo as a maintenance supervisor in Jabiru.
Acting with Purpose: Leadership and Achievement
After his time in Jabiru, Jade spent about three years working in Tom Price and then the Greater Brockman region in FIFO while his family settled in Bunbury.
During this period, he moved up from Facility Maintenance Supervisor to Assistant Area Manager, and then to Area Manager. His focus was on safety leadership and fostering teamwork. This focus bore fruit in Brockman, where his team's dedication to safety earned them a prestigious National Excellence Award at Sodexo. This achievement stands as a testament to their collective effort and highlights Jade's commitment to excellence.
Today, as a regional manager overseeing a diverse and large team, Jade finds fulfilment in mentoring and building trust. He collaborates closely with his team to plan 150 corrective maintenance works based on priority per day and execute 1600 planned maintenance work orders per month.
Thriving at Sodexo: Building Careers and Making a Difference
"Connecting with each team member on a personal level is crucial," he notes. "It's about empowering everyone to thrive in their own way."
Reflecting on his journey, Jade's optimism shines through. "Sodexo is not just a workplace; it's my second home," he says with pride. “It's been a catalyst for personal and professional growth.” "Every day at Sodexo brings new challenges and opportunities for creating a better every day for everyone."
"It's been quite a journey," Jade reflects with a smile. "I truly love my job and the opportunities it has provided me." His story resonates as an invitation to those seeking a place where they can belong, act, and thrive. "If my journey inspires someone to join Sodexo," Jade concludes, "then sharing my story has been truly worthwhile."
Join Jade at Sodexo and discover how we can empower you to build a career where you belong to a team, act with purpose and thrive in your own way!