RISING STARS MEET THE FUTURE
Dan Hancox, corporate sustainability and development director at Russell Roof Tiles
What is your current role? I am the corporate sustainability and development director for leading roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles, my role includes overseeing our sustainability strategy, compliance, and the production of our UPVC fittings and accessories.
How did you get into this industry? I always knew I wanted a career in construction and manufacturing, but when I left sixth form at 18, I didn’t have a clear plan. I spotted an advertisement for a sales administrator role at Russell Roof Tiles’ Burton headquarters in the local paper, which sounded like the perfect fit for me. Once I started work the company funded a part-time Business Management degree at the University of Staffordshire, which has really helped me progress into my current role.
What does a typical day for you at work look like?
I have an incredibly varied role, and as my responsibilities cover several different business areas, no two days tend to be the same. I collaborate closely with many people across the business and regularly check in with them to see how projects are progressing. I will also assess our work against key performance metrics to ensure we are on track with targets. My days can be filled with anything from supplier meetings to site audits, supporting the sales team with sustainability updates, compliance or research and development projects.
What are your big challenges in this role? The ever-changing and growing regulatory landscape is a challenge our industry is continuously navigating, my particular focus is on sustainability, product standards, and safety. The biggest challenge I face in my role is ensuring that we as a company, and our products, adhere to the new guidelines around climate targets and performance standards.
What do you think has been your biggest achievement in your role?
I’ve been in my current position for a year and have worked hard during this time to lead and implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy. It’s been a huge
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achievement for me to be able to bring this together into a comprehensive strategy that includes a clear plan for what sustainability looks like across our operations, product lines and supply chain.
What would you like to achieve next? As a business, we are continuously looking to grow and develop, so to play a part in enabling the company to do this is my current goal. There are new products to launch, emissions to reduce, organisations to collaborate with and communities to give back to – which is what Russell Roof Tiles is all about.
What advice would you give to someone new to this industry?
Experience is invaluable and learning as much as you can from experienced colleagues, mentors and industry figures can help propel you forward in your career. It’s no secret that
“Starting each morning knowing I’m working for a company that represents values that match my own makes work far more enjoyable.”
the manufacturing and construction industry has an aging workforce, which presents a prominent skill and knowledge gap. However, it also creates a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for a career in the sector to learn what they can from the current talent and become the next generation.
What would you say to someone who might be thinking about a career or getting a job in the industry? Find a company that reflects your values, and you’ll have a job for life. At Russell Roof Tiles we have 10 key principles which form the basis of our business approach, including ‘Integrity’, ‘Collaboration’, ‘Quality’ and ‘Community’. Starting each morning knowing I’m working for a company that represents values that match my own makes work far more enjoyable.
Why do you think young people and women are hesitant to go into the industry?
The construction and manufacturing industry falls victim to the stigma and historical precedent that manual jobs are for men, which naturally makes it less appealing to younger people and women. This negative perception was reflected in the first quarter of this year, with the female percentage of the UK construction workforce falling to 13.6% – down from its 2023 peak of 15.8%. However, changes are being made to attract and encourage a wider diversity of employees to take on a variety of roles. Many are working hard to make positive changes and if you learn a skill well, and with confidence, any good business will welcome you in. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net January 2025
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