Meet Raimonds Mamonovs, our Area Operations Manager. In this meet the team blog series, you can find out more about our team, their roles and a what a typical working day looks like.

I’m awake at 6am, and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee whilst checking the day’s weather forecast to prepare for whatever conditions lie ahead. The past few months have been challenging, with one of the wettest spring’s on record, which has impacted the volume of green waste we’ve received, and our compost production, so the weather is a high priority! I’m at the office around 7.20am, to welcome the team as they arrive. Once we’re all in we gather for our morning meeting, to discuss the day’s agenda and share any updates. It’s a collaborative and energising start and gets us all ready for the day. I also make it a point to conduct a walk around our Tangmere site, inspecting operations, ensuring everything is running smoothly and addressing any issues. I’ll also head to Runcton a few times throughout the week. These visits are essential for making sure all sites are running smoothly and efficiently. During these visits, I also run health and safety checks, and environmental assessments, to maintain all regulations and standards.

Back at my desk I make time to review our procedures, update documentation as needed, and implement improvements – we’re always keen to be efficient and effective.

Composting and Collaborating

As Area Operations Manager I oversee our day-to-day operations and the management of our two licensed composting facilities. I’m responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of our machinery, coordinating staff, ensuring health and safety standards are met, and maintaining consistent standards across our sites.

A key aspect of my role is to manage the composting process efficiently, adhering to all health and safety, environmental, and quality standards. This includes maintaining detailed records and ensuring compliance with relevant protocols and regulations.

As part of the management team I also get involved in strategic planning, decision-making, and making sure our organisational goals and objectives are on track.

The best part of my job is undoubtedly the fact that no two days are ever the same. I thrive on the variety and really enjoy problem-solving, which puts my creativity and analytical skills to the test. With a team of  18 to manage, I find working closely with people is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s collaborating with colleagues to overcome obstacles or interacting with clients and stakeholders, building relationships and making a positive impact is always fulfilling.



Covid Changed Everything

One of the most challenging moments was navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic. Everything shifted overnight – from the way we worked to the way we interacted with customers. As people took to their gardens, our sales surged, so we had to meet increased demand whilst keeping everyone safe. Implementing strict health and safety protocols, such as social distancing and enhanced hygiene, became paramount. And staffing shortages due to self-isolation and ensuring adequate spacing between team members added an extra layer of complexity!

Despite these difficulties, our team rallied together with flexibility and dedication. Strong communication, problem-solving and great teamwork ensured we served our customers effectively during these uncertain times. It was a period that truly tested our mettle but also highlighted the strength of our team and our ability to adapt.

Signing Off

Before heading home, I try to tie up any loose ends and prepare for the next day. As well as checking my emails and calendar for future tasks and meetings, I take a final walk around site to ensure everything’s in order. Finally, I check that all equipment and facilities are securely locked up and put away, ensuring the safety and security of our premises. This always helps my peace of mind, allowing me to switch smoothly from work to home life.