Meet Julie Main, our Employee of the Year 2025 and Regional Operations Manager within the Service Department. In the latest instalment of our 5 minutes with… series, Julie shares her journey with Marlowe Fire & Security and what’s driven her success over the years.
So… take five to learn what motivates Julie in her role, the career highlight she’s most proud of, what makes Marlowe Fire & Security special to her and what’s sitting at the top of her bucket list.
Why did you decide to join Marlowe Fire & Security?
“It was Swift Fire and Security at the time and I loved the thought of a one stop shop and opportunities to cross sell. I joined Swift as an Administration Manager and looked forward to implementing my own ideas in a company that relished on innovation from all areas of the business. Career advancement was key to my ambition in the Fire and Security industry hence why Swift/Marlowe were very attractive to my reasons for application.”
What are your main responsibilities?
“My main responsibilities include leading the Service Team and driving operational excellence across the region. I focus on ensuring efficient resource deployment, meeting KPIs and delivering first-class service to our customers. A big part of my role is creating a culture where ideas matter – mentoring others, solving complex problems and implementing strategies that make a real impact. Managing compliance, safety and performance while watching the team grow and succeed has been an incredible experience.”
What is your main objective within this role?
“My main objective is to ensure Marlowe Fire & Security delivers a first-class service to its maintenance customers while operating within agreed budgets and maintaining best practice in technical support, training and health & safety. This includes driving operational excellence, achieving key performance targets and creating a culture of continuous improvement that supports both customer satisfaction and team development.”
What jobs did you do prior to joining us?
“After leaving college, I began my career in a Building Society as a Cashier Clerk, where I developed strong customer service skills and attention to detail. I then moved into Estate Agency as a Sales Negotiator, gaining valuable experience in communication, negotiation and relationship building.
My journey into the Fire and Security industry started when I joined Intruder Alarms Northern as Admin/Sales Support. When when the company was acquired, I progressed to Admin Manager and later became Customer Service Executive, covering the North down to Leeds. In this role, I worked within the renewals department, securing new customers and visiting sites to survey for additional works.
Following the acquisition of Initial Shorrock, I advanced to overall Administration Manager, leading a team of administrators responsible for managing installation handovers and maintaining service levels for existing customers. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of operational processes, compliance and customer service, and laid the foundation for my leadership journey. Today, I draw on this wealth of experience to mentor others, solve complex challenges and drive operational excellence.”
What prepared you for your role here?
“What prepared me for my role is a strong foundation built over 17 years in the Fire and Security industry. During this time, I developed a deep understanding of all Fire and Security systems and the standards that govern them, which has been critical for ensuring compliance and delivering quality service. My experience taught me the importance of thorough processes and structured procedures, enabling me to manage complex operations with precision and consistency. Alongside technical expertise, I’ve always prioritised exceptional customer service-building trust, maintaining relationships and ensuring satisfaction. These combined skills have equipped me to lead effectively, mentor others and implement strategies that drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.”
What’s the best thing about working at Marlowe Fire & Security?
“One of the best things about working at Marlowe Fire & Security is having a voice that truly matters. Being listened to and trusted to implement ideas makes me feel valued and empowered. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those ideas come to life, driving real change and contributing to the success of the business. What makes it even more special is the support I’ve received over the years-not just professionally, but personally. During challenging times with my daughter, the understanding and care shown by the company and my colleagues meant so much to me. That level of support is something I’ll never forget and is a big reason why I’m proud to work here.”
What has been the highlight of your career at Marlowe Fire & Security over the years?
“One of the highlights of my time here has been writing the RSM Training Manual. Seeing how much it has helped new Service Managers during their onboarding and in their day-to-day tasks makes me incredibly proud. Knowing that something I created is making a real difference and supporting others in their roles is a truly rewarding feeling.”
Are you working on any special projects that would be interesting to this interview?
“As we approach year-end, my focus is firmly on delivering a strong Q4 performance. This means driving operational efficiency, meeting all KPIs and ensuring our service commitments are met without compromise. It’s about finishing the year on a high, supporting the team to stay motivated and implementing strategies that maximise results while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.”
What has been your greatest personal achievement?
“One of my greatest personal achievements was winning Employee of the Year. I’m incredibly proud of that moment-it truly means a lot to me. What made it even more special was feeling overwhelmed by all the support and encouragement I received from my colleagues. Their belief in me and their kind words made the experience unforgettable.”
What makes you most proud of your team/company?
“I’m so proud to work for the Service Team and to be part of its incredible journey. Watching it grow and achieve so much has been inspiring. What I love most is mentoring others and helping them develop, as well as solving problems that make a real difference. Being part of this progress and seeing the impact we create every day is something that truly motivates me.”
What’s on your bucket list?
“One thing I really want to experience is traveling first class when I go on holiday. Just imagining the comfort, the space- and the luxury makes me feel excited it would make the whole journey feel special and unforgettable.”
What are the best things in life?
“The best thing in life for me is when my friends and family make me laugh. Those moments are priceless they remind me what really matters. I always think of my Dad, who was the life and soul of any party. He had this incredible gift of making people laugh with his jokes- and his energy could light up a room. That’s the kind of joy I treasure the most.”