Meet Carmen Darvill, Trainee Sales Advisor
"I would say to anyone starting out in their career, or looking to make a change, that working in the minerals industry is not what it seems and provides a challenging, fast paced and rewarding role."
Tell us about your role at NMSB and how you got to where you are!
Hi, I’m Carmen. I’ve been with NMSB for eight months - and what an eventful eight months it’s been. When I first joined our Head Office site in New Milton, it was in lockdown, and I joined as a trainee sales advisor. Obviously with everything going on in the world and how some industries unfortunately had stopped working, I was grateful but also a little worried that maybe a trainee role for a quarry and waste company would be a strange environment for a young person, but I could not have been more wrong.
It was full systems go, we had to keep products flowing to support the vital transport and construction industry with important projects like the local hospital road improvements. I became part of an energetic and varied team, who have all been very supportive and helpful. I have been really impressed to see how the company has been able to operate with such demand, safely but in such difficult circumstances.
On my first day, I clearly remember walking into the office. It was full on and I couldn’t believe busy and how much there was to learn! It’s fascinating to see where our quarried products end up - school playgrounds, roads, gardens, football pitches and of course houses. I remember wondering how I was ever going to be able to learn all of the products, but here I am eight months in with knowledge I never thought I would have.
I’m grateful to have worked across all of our products ranges – construction and concrete, horticultural and sporting products, waste management and our builders’ merchants, as it has ensured I get to know the business inside out.
Due to lockdown, there is still so much for me to learn but we have a great training programme, line management support and NMSB is still growing so there’s potential for my personal growth too.
Would you encourage people to have a career in the Minerals Industry and why?
Absolutely! I would say to anyone starting out in their career or looking to make a change that working in the Minerals Industry is not what it seems. It is exciting and rewarding. From product creation to machinery enhancement and development of our people. There are also many disciplines involved that you wouldn’t necessarily think of: Engineering, Technical, Development, Production, Procurement, Finance, Marketing and of course Sales and Customer Service…the list goes on and on!
What makes NMSB different?
Although I’m just starting out in my career, I’m so happy I chose to be with NMSB. Everyone knows each other – it’s like a big family – and they’re all friendly, welcoming and kind! You can have a chat with the Managing Director about sunny holidays (back when they were a thing!) or talk with the Sales Director about our shared love of food - everyone is so inclusive.
There are around 150 of us now across the sites, but that number is growing every month and NMSB makes it one of their top priorities that everyone is heard and listened to. We are inspired to achieve more and supported in planning and achieving out career goals. We celebrate our successes together and appreciate the rewards. Of course, some days are more challenging than others, but you know when you have the support and love of your team, you can keep going. We all have a laugh in the office and I have made genuine friends since joining the Sales Team.
Are you interested in joining our family at NMSB? Take a look at our available roles here.
