Shane McDonnell, Pilbara West Facilities Maintenance Manager
Shane said, "I had an apetite to move forward and strive to do more, and Sodexo offered a lot of support in my development"
When he started his career as a mature age Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) apprentice at 26, Shane McDonnell never thought he would be overseeing a team of hundreds at Sodexo.
In just five years, Shane has gone from a HVAC technician to a facilites maintenance manager, overseeing one of Sodexo’s largest portfolios. Shane now manages approximately 10,000 rooms, 3,500 properties, 340 commercial properties and 6 airports.
"I had an apetite to move forward and strive to do more, and Sodexo offered a lot of support in my development,” Shane said.
"I’ve had the opportunity to work across multiple facets of this business.”
Shane had a strong desire to develop his skills from the get-go, achieving Apprentice of the Year while at TAFE. This drive has only grown during his time at Sodexo, seen in the number of roles he has undertaken, including a series of supervisor positions before taking on his current responsibility.
Under his management, his team recently received their second industry win in the Facilities Management Association Industry Awards for Excellence, for the innovative application of a remote water monitoring technology solution.
The solution relies on wireless technology to detect anomalies at potable and wastewater treatment plants, such as burst water pipes. Since its deployment, Shane’s team has been able to remotely monitor water treatment plants in real time, rather than relying on on-site plumbers, providing greater visibility of plant operations and reducing the risk of service interruptions.
“Using new technology applications is important in our evolving industry,” he said.
“The implementation of this new technology allows Sodexo to streamline our operations, making it more efficient for our teams on the ground.”
When reflecting on his rapid growth within the organisation, Shane thanks the mentorship he has found on-site and within head office. It’s made him passionate about supporting his team on their personal career journeys, operating as an advocate for continual development.
"I have been able to develop my skills, be mentored and move up the ladder within my time with the company,” Shane said.
Sodexo is a great company for progression. If you stay focused and dedicated, you will be offered opportunities to achieve those goals.
“It’s important to build a team around you to drive success together and that means focusing on mentoring, empowering and growing your team as a whole on the journey. My favourite part of my job is watching others grow, and supporting others in suceeding which helps the whole company succeed.
“Even in the position I am in, there are definitely opportunities for growth so its all about focusing on moving forward and listening and learning from mentors.
I have grown from working ‘on the tools’ to operating in a senior leadership position. If I can do it, anyone can do it”.
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