From Educator to Leader: Millie Sandford's Journey to Success at SMS Environmental

Empowering Change and Inspiring Growth: Millie Sandford's Transformation from Classroom to Corporate Leadership

Millie Sandford is career-driven with a passion for education and a thirst for knowledge. Starting her journey with an undergrad degree in Politics from the University of Essex, Millie discovered her interest in the way people interact. This led her to pursue a Masters in Political Research at the University of Oxford, further solidifying her understanding of societal dynamics.

After dabbling in various administrative office-based roles, Millie realised her true calling lay in the classroom. Taking a leap of faith, she obtained a PGCE in History and transitioned into the role of Teacher of History and Politics at a secondary school in Oxfordshire. After five years teaching, Millie eventually began looking at opportunities outside of education.

Finding Fulfilment

Taking a much-needed sabbatical, Millie found herself at SMS Environmental, a company she had a personal connection to as the daughter of John Sandford, Co-Founder of SMS Environmental. Initially unsure of what to expect, Millie joined the team as an Operations Coordinator and quickly fell in love with the work and the company culture. She appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the business and its operations, gaining valuable insights into the coordination and support aspect of the company.

Navigating Different Roles

After leaving SMS Environmental to pursue a teaching job, Millie found herself back at the company upon the launch of Opuz as a separate entity. Taking on the role of Customer Success Manager, she thrived in bridging the gap between developers and clients, advocating for clients' needs while supporting the development team.

Leadership Development

Eventually, Millie found herself back at SMS Environmental, this time as the Service Delivery Manager. Managing a team of nine individuals, she focuses on improving service delivery for clients and the team, while also striving to enhance work-life balance and overall satisfaction within the department.

Career Reflection

Reflecting on her career journey, Millie appreciates the growth opportunities and supportive environment at SMS Environmental. She admires the collaborative nature of the company and the potential for career progression, no matter one's background or qualifications. With a talented leadership team and a thriving work culture, Millie is excited to continue her professional development and make a positive impact within the company.

Want to join Millie and the SMS team? Click here to see a list of all our open vacancies.