Inventory Controller Denis Clarkin – based at East Tamaki Road – talks about his job and what working at Waste Management means to him.
As an interesting aside, this is the second time Denis has worked at the East Tamaki Road site. In an earlier role before starting with Waste Management, Denis spent 12 months working on what was then the Lion Breweries / Lion Nathan liquor site project, managing the warehouse fit out. He was born and raised in Hamilton and is a big supporter of the mighty Waikato!
How long have you worked for WM?
I’ve worked at Waste Management for seven years in the commercial collections part of the business. I began in the fleet supervisor area with Front Load and Hook. Subsequently I worked with Skip, Smart Skip and Flexi, and am currently working in a support role. Until last year I worked with the team at Lunn Avenue. Now we are based at the fantastic new East Tamaki HQ – I’m very pleased to be here!
Describe your job in a nutshell?
It’s currently a mix of transport and driver-related activity supporting the commercial collections fleet operations manager and supervisor team. Since mid-last year I have also been looking after the Compliance Co-ordinator role for East Tamaki covering maternity leave. That part of the business has been quite new to me but, with the positive support of the HSE and Compliance Team, has been a great learning experience and very interesting. Also the compliance work is an efficient mix with the existing role’s activities.
What is the best part of what you do?
I've been really impressed with the new headquarters at 318 East Tamaki. It's a very well-planned and executed building. Light, airy and the neighbourhood format is a big asset to focused, effective communication.
My role has lots of interesting components with plenty of new things always popping onto the radar. I’m dealing with a range of different people and tasks, which is always energising. I'm always well supported by the wider team. Everything comes back to people and attitude.
What would you like people to know about Waste Management?
I’ve been impressed by the thought that went into planning the new HQ.
Waste Management has supported and communicated with their people very well through COVID-19. Unsettling time for many people and families and the support from the company has been exceptional.
This is an exciting business to work for. We all have an important role to play in leading a sustainable future.