Tell us about the various roles you have adopted in the past leading up to your decision to join Titan.
I started my career in Outdoor with Mills & Allen (as it was then known before being acquired by JCDecaux) working in sales and administration for 2 years. Having previously left to venture into the specialist and media agency world as a buyer for 5 years, I returned to the company as London Sales Manager. During the next16 years I managed various departments including Client Services, Operations, Quality, IT projects and latterly IT systems. The only departments I have never touched base with are Development, Finance and Marketing!
You have 24 years experience in the Outdoor industry. What makes you so passionate about the medium?
I have seen the Outdoor industry change over the years, starting out as fairly simple to highly complex. As I love a challenge, I find the Outdoor industry very exciting. I am passionate about what I do and it has become part of my everyday life. For example, if I see a damaged panel, I will notify the contractor. It’s my way of protecting the image of Outdoor, after all it is a visual medium!
It must have been a big decision to join Titan. What attracted you?
Once I’d met Andy Moug, Jon Slatkin, Stephen Dunn and other senior management, I realised what a fantastic team I would be joining. I love the fact that the people at Titan are passionate about what they do as I am and I saw the potential and the challenge within the role.
As Business Delivery Director, what does your latest role entail?
This role plays to my strengths. I’m ‘tech savvy’ and understand the business. Essentially, I bring together all the back office functions that support the sales team. The separate functions include Inventory, Campaign Management, Sales Operations (based in Liverpool) and IT. In total I manage 25 people.
The functions you manage are of critical importance to the business. Can you talk me through the processes involved?
The different functions come into play at different points through the sales process. The Inventory function ensures panels are priced and packaged in the most effective way across all environments, using a variety of tools such as Shop Point data and Postar. Campaign Management deal with satisfying the clients requirements in terms of site selections. Sales Operations in Liverpool are responsible for ensuring that invoices are correct and also support Operations by liaising with the specialists and dispatch companies to get posters in stock, compiling posting statistics and dealing with inspection queries. IT keeps everything running smoothly, from our mail servers to Transvision and play a pivotal role in the company.
Are there any changes you have implemented in your time here?
I have clarified the roles within Campaign Management and Inventory and have implemented improved processes. I would like to think that I have made the job roles more interesting whilst making room for personal development.
Liverpool Sales Operations have now adopted greener practices by doing everything electronically.
We’ve all worked together to introduce and promote trading with rate cards. I ensure that everyone plays their part and understands what their contribution means. Ultimately, I have focused everyone on the end product – client delivery and what will make Titan ‘the must buy’ contractor.
What are your plans for the team moving forward?
I want to continue to develop individuals and improve commercial awareness.
What do you feel you have learnt during your time at Titan?
I have learnt that there are other people who share the same passion I have for Outdoor and that being part of a great management team is fun and interesting as well as demanding. I have also learned that the journey to Old Street is not as bad as I feared!
What are your interests outside of work?
As I am sure most working parents will agree, having time for interests is difficult. I’m a Governor at my daughter’s school which is very rewarding. I enjoy swimming with Ful-on Tri, my local Triathlon Club but mainly so that I can go to the pub on social nights! I am also passionate about being a Londoner and try to make the most of the myriad of activities on offer e.g. museums, walks, theatre and exhibitions!
The ‘hot seat’ session ends and Madalyn is relieved that it wasn’t all that bad! What is clear is that Madalyn’s passion and drive is invaluable for Titan UK as we continue to grow and innovate moving forward.