“I don’t think I would have got here if I hadn’t had military experience”

News

Last year we launched the Veterans in FM Network, a dedicated career route for veterans to network and support each other in their workplace and facilities management (WFM) careers. Click here to discover how veterans can find pathways to success in WFM. Veterans possess an array of skills, experiences and ambitions, so we’re keen to highlight individuals from this rich talent pool to better understand their different WFM paths.  

One such individual is Mark Sutcliffe, CEO of Lorne Stewart Facilities Services, who served in the Royal Navy for a decade. Mark spoke to us about career development thanks to a charity, the power of transferrable skills and the benefits of continual learning.

Could you describe your transition from military service to WFM?

I had no transition time and only had three weeks in Portsmouth before I left the Navy. I became unemployed for three months, then I met a charity called the Officers’ Association. They rewrote my CV, gave me interview advice and lined up a few interviews in WFM and PFI. I was then offered a role as an operations manager for a PFI in Sussex.

Overcoming self-doubt and fear was the biggest challenge. Sadly, I felt as though being a veteran was a hindrance. Luckily the charity helped me find my confidence and got me some interviews. Once I started work, I realised being a veteran gave you great management and leadership skills and I’ve progressed ever since.

What are some projects or landmarks in your WFM career that you're particularly proud of?

There have been a few, like winning a PFM award for Best Public / Private Partnership, doing the WFM at Whitehall on Downing Street, numerous bid wins and helping veterans to find WFM careers.

What advice do you have for other service leavers or veterans considering a career in WFM?

I’ve worked as service provider and client side across most sectors in both operations and business development. WFM offers opportunities across many different areas and touches every other industry.

My advice is to demilitarise CVs and to find ways to relate WFM to military experience. Try and focus on WFM operations as this will open your career into other areas. Once in the sector, learn about your role and WFM in general and then keep learning. IWFM offers great courses, and you can even get a degree in WFM.

WFM is a people business, and my military career has helped me in understanding people and getting the best out of them, as well as building effective teams.

Can you share any personal stories that highlight the differences or similarities between military life and working in WFM?

Life in the military was often about finding alternative solutions when there was a problem with machinery or equipment. That mindset of finding different solutions to ensure business continuity is what is needed in WFM.

One of the differences in WFM is that when people leave the military, they forget the military culture and hierarchy doesn’t, so they must adapt their personal skills more.

My experience in WFM has got me to my current role as CEO, but I don’t think I would have got here if I hadn’t had military experience.

To find out more about Veterans In FM’s work, click here or visit us on LinkedIn.