At Advance TRS, delivering high-quality recruitment solutions is at the heart of what we do. Behind the scenes, ensuring the business runs smoothly and effectively across our three brands – Advance TRS, CITILINE, and Advance TRS Management Consultancy – is Ella Gardiner, our Group Business Operations Director. We sat down with Ella to discuss her career journey, what drives her, and why she’s so passionate about shaping and growing high-quality businesses.
Q: Can you tell us about your role at Advance TRS?
As the Group Business Operations Director, I oversee a diverse range of business functions, including HR, bids & tenders, marketing, contract management, and operational efficiency. My role is all about ensuring we have the right structures and processes in place to support growth while maintaining the high standards we’re known for.
I also focus heavily on business improvement, ensuring that everything from internal events to CRM systems is optimised to enhance performance. It’s a dynamic role, and I love the variety and challenges that come with it.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in a small business environment?
I love the challenges and opportunities that come with a growing business. Unlike in larger corporations, where things can be rigid, here I get to have a real impact on shaping the business. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking a company that might be small and helping it grow into something high-quality and successful. It’s not just about expansion – it’s about doing business well and ensuring efficiency and innovation in everything we do.
Q: What drives your approach to business operations?
For me, it’s all about problem-solving and driving continuous improvement. I enjoy taking a strategic approach to business operations – whether that’s refining our CRM systems, overseeing complex bids and tenders, or developing employee engagement strategies that align with our company’s vision and values.
I also strongly believe in building strong relationships, both internally with our teams and externally with key stakeholders. Success isn’t just about having the right systems in place; it’s about people working together effectively.
Q: What does ‘doing business well’ mean to you?
It’s about running an operation that is ethical, compliant, efficient, and sustainable, but above all, people focused. We work in highly regulated industries, so ensuring compliance is a given, but beyond that, I believe in creating an environment where people feel supported, encouraged, and motivated to succeed.
A business is about long-term success, reputation, and fostering a workplace where employees enjoy their time at work, think creatively, and are inspired to push themselves to achieve their full potential. When people feel valued and engaged, they contribute more effectively, and that drives success for everyone.
Q: What has been one of your biggest achievements at Advance TRS so far?
One of my proudest achievements has been launching Advance TRS Management Consultancy. Diversifying our service offering and introducing an entirely new business model was a huge challenge, but also incredibly exciting.
Bringing AMC to life has required strategic planning, collaboration, and a deep understanding of how we can best support our clients in new ways. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m really proud of the team I’ve been working with to make it happen.
Q: What excites you most about the future of Advance TRS?
The potential! We have ambitious growth plans, and I’m excited to be part of shaping that journey. What makes it even more exciting is that in my nine years at Advance TRS, my role has never been the same from one year to the next. The business has evolved so much that I’m constantly facing new challenges, adapting to industry changes, and refining how we operate.
This continuous evolution keeps things dynamic and allows me to contribute in new ways each year, ensuring we remain agile, forward-thinking, and ready to take on new opportunities. As part of the Management Board, I also have the opportunity to contribute to high-level strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring that our strategies are not just aligned with our business goals but also focused on continuous innovation and improvement.
Q: Finally, any advice for those looking to develop a career in business operations?
Be curious and proactive! Business operations are all about problem-solving, improving efficiency, and helping a company thrive, so it’s essential to develop a strategic mindset and a willingness to tackle challenges.
Also, never underestimate the power of investing in people – a business is only as strong as the team behind it and creating an environment where staff can develop and succeed is crucial to long-term success.
Conclusion
Ella’s leadership and commitment to quality, efficiency, and people development play a huge role in shaping the success of Advance TRS. Her passion for strategic business improvement, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence ensures we continue to provide the best recruitment solutions in the built environment sectors.
If you’re interested in learning more about Advance TRS, exploring career opportunities, or seeing how we can support your recruitment needs, get in touch with our team today!
