Here at Phoenix we are proud of every member of our team. Whether they're in the office or on-site, everyone works tirelessly to ensure that the overall stability and success of Phoenix is always at the highest level.
As we continue to introduce members of our wonderful team and give you the chance to know more about them, including some stories and advice.
This week we have Group Procurement & Wellbeing Director, Shane Linthwaite. We would also like to say a big Happy Birthday as Shane celebrated his birthday this week!
How long have you been at Phoenix for, and what do you enjoy about your job?
I’ve been at Phoenix ‘officially’ since November 2021. Unofficially I’ve been involved with Phoenix since day one as Director of Entertainment. Having been in public sector procurement for over 12 years, I’ve enjoyed the challenge switching industries and that every day is different. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the industry, building new relationships with suppliers and dealing with all the different characters within construction. I also enjoy having the ability to streamline processes and save money, which have a positive impact on the organisation.
Describe one of your favourite work memories?
I have quite a few funny work memories, which usually all stem from being on the sesh with colleagues. One that immediately springs to mind is attending a company conference at Alton Towers hotel. I’d had a few too many beers and was dared to dive in the fountain, which subsequently got me kicked out of the hotel, if it wasn’t for some sweet talking and grovelling.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I can’t remember wanting to be anything in particular when I was younger, just that I couldn’t wait for school to be over. Now it’s the opposite - take me back to school without a care in the world. I was always keen on sports growing up and played a lot of football, basketball, and cricket, so I’d say I probably wanted to be a footballer. Then I discovered women, beer and needed two knee operations, so sports are now out the window! I tried my hand at different jobs when I left school – IT Consultant, Marketing, then I kind of fell into Procurement and never looked back really.
Tell us about your first ever job?
My first ever job, whilst still at school and underage, was for A B Gee, packing toys. I used to go down to the Old Mill in Belper with a few school friends every day after school to earn a little bit of money to spend on tat and Mcdonalds at the weekend.
Share the best piece of advice that anyone has ever given you?
Nothing really springs to mind, but I like to think I can give pretty sound advice… Some might say differently. When it comes to work, I’m a strong believer in job satisfaction trumping money and I’ve always given that advice to colleagues throughout the years. We spend the majority of our lives at work and if you don’t enjoy what you do then you’ll lack motivation to do a good job and end up miserable. But that all depends on the type of person you are.
What destination do you hope to visit one day?
I’ve been quite fortunate having already been able to tick off quite a few destinations from my bucket list. A few places I’d like to go back to given the opportunity would be Jamaica to cliff jump at Riks Café again. Dubai to swim with sharks and rays again. Las Vegas in season for the pool parties and Mexico where I proposed to my wife.
And finally, what does being part of #teamPhoenix mean to you?
I like to think I’ve been part of #teamPhoenix for a long time. I’ve known and spoke with quite a few of my colleagues long before I was employed by Phoenix and they’ve always said how good the company is to work for and everyone looks out and supports each other. Now I’m an official employee I have to agree - I’ve never worked for a more close-knit, forward-thinking organisation that looks after its employees. Everyday we have a laugh, the banter is always flowing and the job gets done. I was always conscientious when I got asked to step into the role because of the stability at the Council and NHS where I was before, but I definitely made the right decision and look forward to growing the business and the future.
