Meet Jodie Blamires, Internal Operations Manager

Bringing extensive experience from both modular hire and installation environments, Jodie plays a key role in ensuring our projects run smoothly from order through to delivery. We sat down with her to learn more about her background, her first impressions of life at Cleveland, and what she hopes to achieve in her new role.

Can you run us through your work history and background?

I spent 10 years at Procomm Site Services as a Hire Desk Controller. The business was later acquired by Algeco and merged with Elliots and Carters. Following the change, I moved to Property and Site Services, one of the subcontractors we use here at Cleveland Modular for installations.

I worked there as Operations Manager for two and a half years, which gave me valuable experience working on the delivery side of modular installations and understanding projects from the contractor’s perspective.

What brought you to Cleveland Modular?

I really missed the project management side of the industry and interacting directly with customers. In my previous role I worked remotely most of the time, managing a team of twelve site workers from home. I introduced a lot of process improvements, but over time the role became repetitive, and I felt I had hit the ceiling for personal development.

When Cleveland Modular began recruiting, the role felt like a perfect match for my skills and experience. I was excited about joining an ambitious, growing business where I could continue to develop professionally.

Flexibility was also a big factor for me. I have a 10-year-old son, and being able to balance work with the school run was incredibly important. Cleveland’s flexibility allows me to give 100% to my role while still being present for my family.

What does your role involve, and who do you work closely with?

As Internal Operations Manager, I take over once a salesperson secures an order. From that point, I’m responsible for managing the project all the way through to delivery on the customer’s site.

This includes onboarding the order into our system, arranging subcontractors, transport and cranage, and liaising with customers on PPE requirements, site inductions, and RAMS. Essentially, I coordinate the full operational journey from start to finish.

I work closely with Dan Atvars, Head of Operations and Laura Moore, Group Operations Director who head up Operations, and with Lee Davison, our Technical and Planning Manager, who produces drawings and manages fleet and product requirements. We’ve recently hired a Project Support Coordinator too, as the team continues to grow rapidly.

Because we offer a full turnkey service through Boost Your Space, I also coordinate ancillary items like fire alarms, emergency lighting, and air conditioning through subcontractor partners. As we scale, we’re also developing our own internal teams to support modular installs more directly.

It’s early days for Cleveland Modular, but the growth ahead is huge and I’m really excited to be part of shaping that.

What do you enjoy about working at Cleveland so far?

The working environment is fantastic. In previous roles I struggled to take holidays without worrying about what might go wrong while I was away. I’ve just been to Cyprus for two weeks, and for the first time in thirteen years, I came back without that anxiety. The support system here is brilliant - we plan ahead and stay proactive.

As a new, growing team we’re flexible, open-minded, and full of ideas. It’s refreshing, especially in an industry that can sometimes feel set in its ways. You really feel that your opinions matter here.

I report to Dawne McClelland, our National Service Centre Manager, and she’s an incredible role model - calm, supportive, and inspiring. I’m learning every day about managing different personalities and situations, and having her guidance is invaluable.

Overall, the business feels like it’s about to scale up significantly, and being at the front end of that with my experience is something I’m proud to contribute to.

What would you like to achieve here?

My short-term goal is to keep improving with every project and continue being proactive rather than reactive. I want to be a key pillar of support for the Operations team and a reliable point of contact for the modular department and wider business.

Long-term, I want to help Cleveland Modular become the best in the industry, working across all sectors and delivering exceptional service.

I also want to shout out Lee Davison, Technical & Planning Manager - he’s been such a huge support to the department. My joining the team allowed him the time to develop a fantastic project planner that has transformed how we work. He brings structure to Modular, and it makes a massive difference.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

I spend most of my free time with my 10-year-old son, Charlie, who is football-obsessed. I also enjoy going to the gym before work - it sets me up for the day.