A day in the life of Simon Woolaston

A day in the life of Jet’s Contract Manager, Simon Woolaston 

No two days are ever the same  

Some people look for routine and familiarity, for Jet’s Contract Manager, Simon Woolaston, his passion comes from variety and challenge. Speaking to Simon it’s clear to see his passion for people and for the industry he works in. Not so long ago he was contemplating whether to leave the sector completely. Now four months into working for Jet, life couldn’t be more different. 

He outlines that his whole career has been built on integrity and that’s something he felt instantly at Jet. “I was just really excited by the opportunity when I got a phone call from Jet Chair, Sean Witheford,” he explains. Jet is a business that is moving forward and wants to grow, and I wanted to be part of that.” 

“I’d got to a place in my career where I was questioning whether I wanted to do this anymore, Simon shares candidly. “When I spoke to Jet that all changed, it’s an organisation which really cares about the people and I’m completely vindicated in my decision to join the company. Everybody understands that they are part of a business that wants to do things correctly. You are respected for who you are at Jet.” 

“No two days are ever the same,” Simon outlines. “I have office-based days dealing with live quotes and checking in with Estimators, Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, plus discussing projects with our internal Commercial Director, Ian Mitchell. But also days where I’m out and about on the road visiting my contacts and building up relationships. I like sitting down with them having a coffee and a chat and working out what makes them tick.”  

Simon has been around long enough to know there aren’t usually quick wins in the road planing sector. It can often take months of building solid foundations, before something meaningful comes to fruition. But that’s a journey he absolutely relishes. 

“I’ve worked in the road building industry for nearly 40 years and built some solid relationships,” the explains Simon. “It’s obviously a bit different in planing, but there are so many similarities. Those aren’t people I need to speak to every day, but I stay in touch and it’s easy to then pick up the phone when something is relevant.” 

“I now have a portfolio of 10 to 15 clients to build relationships with and that plays perfectly into my skillset, I’m a people person,” he explains. He clearly loves the variety of his day to day, “I have no problem cold calling people or jumping in the car to go and see someone that’s what I’m good at.”

Simon’s longevity in the industry is clearly evident by the long-term relationships he’s established over many years. His role now is about harnessing existing relationships with Jet clients and using his network to build new partnerships. “I’ve got both operational and commercial knowledge and when you tie that in to people relationships that makes this type of role ideal for me,” he outlines. 

Forming part of an on the ground team with fellow Contract Managers Richard Lovell and Darren Drinkwater, Simon is already a key cog in a well-oiled Jet machine, that is pushing the boundaries of commercial and sustainable, future-focused road surfacing.  

Once a project is established, depending on the type and scale of the project, Simon may at that point hand over the project to the relevant Operations Manager to progress through to completion. Simon has generally agreed rates and contracts and then keeps an overview to ensure the relationship remains strong. This role keeps his main focus on the relationship building and best utilises his skillset. “That was one of the things I really liked about the job when we originally discussed it,” he explains. “Jet recognised my abilities and wanted me to focus on what I enjoy doing the most. At the end of the day we all perform better when we’re happy at work and I’m thoroughly enjoying my time with Jet.” 

Simon is appreciative of a good work-life balance. He works hard and is always happy to put in the hours, but equally enjoys family time at home and his hobbies including the British Superbike Championships. 

“My family and my passions are so important to me and Jet even buy into that,” Simon concludes.