Getting to know Ashleigh Buckland, Project Coordinator at Flotech

Meet the people behind our success as we unveil the stories, passions, and expertise of our dedicated team. Discover how their experience enables us to become a trusted environmental services partner for clients across the UK. This time, let's get to know Ashleigh Buckland, Project Coordinator at Flotech.

What was your background before joining Flotech?

I completed my degree in architecture at the University of Portsmouth, which included project management modules with semi-live client projects. Then I took on a co-director role of the design studio, where I had to project manage our end-of-year graduate shows. It was at this point that I had a bit of an epiphany and realised how much I enjoyed project management, and this became a pivotal point in my learning. So, I changed my career aspirations to align with project management.

After graduation, I went freelance and worked in landscape and property companies doing CAD drawings. This was a real juggling act working in several roles, so I applied for an administrative role at Flotech. After a couple of years in this role, I realised my interest in engineering and wanted to learn more about it, so I was then given the support and room to grow into my current role.

What do you do at Flotech?

As a Project Coordinator in the engineering team, I manage projects from start through to completion. This involves reading drawings, matching up CAD models and materials, getting quotes, aligning to budgets, and reporting to engineering management to get procurement in a timely manner.

I’m a point of contact for clients and customers, and internally for all the teams. I resolve issues that crop up in a project, making sure there aren't any delays, and quote for spares packages with the sales team. I also report closely to the commercial team to ensure we invoice our milestones and contribute to the wider business.

What excites you about coming to work?

The people I work with are a brilliant bunch of people, so that’s nice to come in to work every day. I am faced with new challenges all the time, so that keeps me engaged and learning – every day is a school day!

Developing my technical ability – which I thrive on – and the opportunity to see what my learning is contributing; it’s a real progressive environment. I’ve also been lucky with my line manager, Jesse Shaw, who has been a massive part in driving my career progression. I have felt heard and supported and my career has really propelled with his backing and encouragement.

What do you like to outside of work?

I love to read, arts, and crafts. I do live drawing classes every other Saturday and like clay modelling. I'm also teaching myself Spanish!

What are you looking forward to over the next 12 months?

My role is continually developing as I am hitting my KPIs. I have enrolled on my second APM course, which I will finish in February and gain a higher level of accreditation. I want to advance my technical knowledge, so am looking forward to seeing where my career can take me.