Super Seven #1 Lorraine McManus
Welcome to the first of our new Super Seven Series. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing our team members and sharing some thoughts and insights into the roles we do and how we came to be doing them.
Bravely up first is our brilliant Office Manager, Lorraine.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born in Bristol, it’s my favourite place! Before I worked with KETS, I worked for the University of Bristol for over 4 years.
Before that I quit my job in a law firm and went travelling to South America, Africa and SouthEast Asia. I love Japan and am going back next year.
2. What’s your role in KETS?
I’m the Office Manager at KETS, it’s a catch all role which means I get involved in all aspects of the company.
I’m involved in HR, Finance, Social Media, organising meetings and travel, implementing and maintaining procedures. Basically helping out with anything that needs to get done.
I’ve also appointed myself social secretary!
3. What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?
Working with the rest of the team, feeling like we’re part of something. It’s an exciting time to be working in quantum.
4. What inspires you?
Enthusiastic people. If you approach things with the right attitude, it doesn’t matter what you do, you’ll get satisfaction from doing it.
5. What advice would you give someone wanting to get into your role.
There’s no qualification to be an Office Manager, so it’s about working hard and being yourself.
I think a good Office Manager is a team player, flexible, organised, optimistic, approachable with excellent communication skills.
6. What do you do when you’re not at work?
I spend as much time as possible with my friends and family. When I’m not in work, being a fun auntie is my main priority. I enjoy looking at recipes online I’ll never make. I love a walk with a pub lunch at the end.
7. What’s the last book you read?
I read ‘Conversations with Friends‘ by Sally Rooney, it’s her debut novel about modern relationships. I enjoyed that the story isn’t wrapped up as a neat little package with everything tied up at the end … much like real life. I’ve just ordered her second novel ‘Normal People‘.