Meet the team. Jackie Barnet, Office Manager.

Meet our Office Manager, Jackie. From the moment she experienced our cutting-edge office design, Jackie knew she had found her perfect fit at Armadilla. Her commitment to creating an efficient, organised environment is evident in everything she does—from starting the week with a clear plan to ensuring every team member feels valued and heard.

1. What inspired you to join our team as an Office Manager, and what do you find most rewarding about your role?

When I came in for my initial interview, I was blown away by the innovative design and luxurious feel of the pods—it really captivated me. At that moment, I knew this was the company I wanted to work for.

As an organiser with a passion for working with people, this role felt like the perfect fit. I thrive in environments where I can bring structure, streamline operations, and make sure everyone is supported and working efficiently.

I really enjoy contributing to a team that values innovation while also focusing on keeping everything running smoothly—that’s what makes this role so rewarding for me. The chance to help the company grow and ensure things run seamlessly excites me every day. I would love nothing more than to have anyone visiting our company to walk away thinking they would love to work for Armadilla.

2. How do you create a welcoming and productive atmosphere in the office for our diverse team?

I believe the best way to create a welcoming and productive atmosphere is by ensuring everyone feels valued and respected. I make it a priority to encourage open communication at all levels of the team. Taking the time to listen—whether through informal conversations or team-building activities—is key.

I always encourage team members to share new ideas, give feedback, or voice any concerns they may have. With an open-door policy, I want everyone to feel comfortable coming to me if they need support.

I also focus on creating a physically welcoming environment—keeping the office tidy, well-equipped, and designed to promote collaboration between the office and the factory floor. This approach helps everyone feel comfortable and motivated to do their best work.

3. Can you share a bit about your approach to managing the day-to-day challenges and keeping the office running smoothly?

My approach to managing day-to-day challenges revolves around staying organised I like to start the week with a meeting to discuss the days ahead so I can get a clear overview of tasks priorities for the week, this in turn helps me anticipate any potential obstacles before they arise, I love a “To Do” list and ticking it off, this hopefully means nothing falls through the cracks.

When challenges do occur, I approach them with a calm attitude, while looking for the best solutions to sort or rectify the situation. I focus on identifying the root cause of the issue and then work quickly to implement a fix, whether that involves troubleshooting office equipment, reallocating resources, or adjusting team schedules to accommodate unforeseen events.

In addition, I place a high value on communication. I make sure that everyone in the office and factory floor is well-informed about any changes or updates, which helps to reduce confusion and maintain a smooth workflow.

Overall, my goal is to create a stable environment where everything is running efficiently, which allows the team to focus on their work without distractions.

4. What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication and collaboration among our team members?

To ensure effective communication and collaboration, I focus on creating clear channels and fostering a culture of openness. I make sure everyone is familiar with the tools and platforms we use—whether it's email, team chat apps, newsletters, or our notice boards. Consistently using these methods helps keep everyone aligned and ensures nothing is missed.

I also emphasize the importance of active listening. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to engage in open dialogue and work together effectively. I encourage all team members to share feedback and ideas, as this strengthens collaboration and builds trust and mutual respect.

Lastly, I believe in being approachable and accessible. With an open-door policy and availability for one-on-one conversations, I help ensure that communication flows smoothly in both directions. This makes everyone feel included and keeps collaboration running seamlessly.

5. As our company continues to evolve, how do you see your role adapting to support our growth and changing needs?

As the company grows and evolves, I see my role becoming more dynamic and responsive to the changing needs of both the team and the organisation.

I expect my focus to shift towards optimising processes and systems to support greater efficiency as the team expands. Whether it’s streamlining office operations, introducing new technologies to improve workflows, or supporting additional team members, I’ll be proactive in identifying where I can contribute to scaling our operations effectively.

As the company continues to grow, I’ll also prioritise maintaining a positive and inclusive culture. I see myself helping manage the added complexity of coordinating different teams, ensuring communication stays seamless, and making sure the office remains welcoming and productive for everyone.

I’m excited about the potential for growth and look forward to staying flexible, learning new skills, and anticipating the company’s needs as they arise. Ultimately, my goal is to be a supportive resource that helps drive the company forward as we reach new milestones.

Jackie Barnet