At Agena, we’re committed to career growth and development. A great example is Paige Thornton, recently promoted to Service Delivery Manager after joining as a Junior Administrator five years ago.
We caught up with Paige to hear about her journey, challenges, and advice for others looking to grow within the business and her experience using our Bright Stars Mentorship.
Q: Congratulations on your promotion, Paige! Can you tell us about your journey at Agena and how you progressed to your new role?
A: I’ve been with the organisation for over six years, joining in 2018 as a Junior Administrator. In 2021, I stepped out of my comfort zone and applied for a position as the Scheduler for the Service Delivery Team. Despite having no prior scheduling experience, I was fortunate enough to be offered the role. The position came with a wide range of responsibilities, exposing me to everything from third-party supplier management to operational KPI reporting. As the organisation continued to grow, the scheduling team expanded in 2023, and I was promoted to Scheduling Team Leader. Then, in January 2025, the opportunity to become a Service Delivery Manager arose. Having worked closely with the Engineering team for four years, I felt it was the right time to take on a new challenge. Fortunately, I was successful in my application, and I’m looking forward to stepping into the role, embracing new challenges, and helping drive the team forward.
Q: What experiences have helped you the most in progressing through the company?
A: When Park Watch was acquired by the Agena Group, it opened a lot of doors for me. One key experience that stands out is the Bright Stars Programme, which gives employees the opportunity to be mentored by a member of the Senior Management Team for 12 months. I was fortunate to be accepted onto the scheme in 2021 and was paired with our CEO, Paul Dawson. I learned so much from him, but one of the biggest lessons was to always push myself outside my comfort zone and embrace challenges, even when they feel intimidating. The biggest periods of growth and development often come from those uncomfortable moments, and I’ve carried that mindset with me ever since. I truly believe I wouldn’t have achieved what I have so far without that experience, and I’ll always be grateful to both Paul and the company for that opportunity.
Q: How has Agena supported your career growth and development?
A: The Agena Group is an organisation that actively encourages employee development. I’ve been supported in enrolling on different courses, and my manager, Shaun Bennetts, Head of Operations, has always prioritised my personal growth. Our 1-1s have been instrumental in helping me reflect on what I want to achieve and where I see myself in the future. The company genuinely wants its employees to succeed and provides plenty of opportunities to do so. I also took a couple of months off in 2024 after having my little boy, which was an incredible experience. While I was away, I didn’t want it to impact my career progression, and the support I received from my manager and team was fantastic. That encouragement and flexibility have played a huge role in my continued development at Agena.
Q: What advice would you give to colleagues who are looking to advance their careers within Agena?
A: Take every opportunity that comes your way. Speak to your line managers about your personal development, explore the opportunities available, and never be afraid of failure—it’s always a chance to learn and grow.
Q: What are you most excited about in your new role as Service Delivery Manager?
A: I’m really looking forward to developing our already successful Engineering team. We had a fantastic 2024 in terms of new installs and hitting our KPIs, and we’re aiming even higher for 2025. I’m excited to streamline our processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure the team continues to operate in a positive and productive environment. I have plenty of new ideas to bring to the table, so it’s shaping up to be an exciting year ahead!
Paige’s story is a fantastic example of how dedication, hard work, and the right opportunities can lead to career success. Her journey highlights the potential for growth within Agena, and we’re excited to see her thrive in her new role.
For more details about our Bright Stars Programme, click here.