Get to know our new Facilities Manager, Zander Russell
Bringing a people-first approach and a fresh perspective, Zander is dedicated to creating a workplace where staff can perform at their best and improve the lives of others.
As an Edinburgh native and lifelong Hibernian fan, Zander returns to Edinburgh after 35 years in the armed forces, putting the skills, values, and compassion he developed throughout his military career to his new role at Norton Park.
Although he has recently joined the organisation, Zander has already thrown himself into his new role, building strong connections with tenants, colleagues and visitors while getting to know the ins-and outs of the organisation.
Q&A with Zander
Q: Tell us a bit about your background
I joined the Army at the age of 16 and completed 35 years of continuous service on 5 June. I was fortunate to begin a new chapter with Norton Park on 8 June.
My father served for 22 years with the Royal Scots, and it was always my ambition to follow in his footsteps. I initially enlisted in the Royal Scots and, following the amalgamation of the Scottish regiments, continued my service with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Looking back, it has been a privilege to serve for 35 unbroken years, and I am grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and friendships gained throughout my military career.
Q: Tell us a bit about you outside work
A passionate sports enthusiast, I am a season ticket holder at Hibernian FC and regularly travel throughout Scotland and Europe to support my club.
As a member of the Tartan Army, I attend Scotland football internationals whenever possible, and I am also a regular attendee at Scotland rugby matches at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield stadium. Away from the stands, I enjoy playing golf and all my free time is spent on the course.
Q: What drew you to Norton Park and the Facilities Manager role?
It came as something of a surprise. With just three months of service remaining in the Army, a member of the Norton Park Board mentioned that a facilities manager position was available and suggested I take a look.
The role immediately appealed to me. Leith has always been a significant part of my life, and several members of my family still live locally. My family has also had direct experience with several of the charities based at Norton Park, so I already understood the importance of the work being carried out here.
I was impressed by the diverse range of organisations based at Norton Park and by the support it provides to the third sector. After more than 35 years in the Army, it felt like the ideal opportunity to begin a new chapter while contributing to a community that means a great deal to me.
Q: How would you sum up your job in one line?
This role is all about improving the lived experience of everyone who walks through our doors, including our staff. It is about making that extra effort to help each person feel comfortable, welcomed, and valued. From the moment they arrive to the moment they leave, we want them to feel supported, have a positive experience, and leave with a smile.
Q: What will a typical day look like for you on site?
It varies from day to day. Over the past two weeks, I have spent time across different areas of the organisation, learning the policies, processes, and day-to-day operations.
It has been great because no two days are the same, and the variety has helped me build a much better understanding of how everything works.
Q: What are your top priorities for the next few months?
For me, it is about understanding the organisation, the tenants, and our visitors, and then looking at how we can continue to improve the facilities and environment for everyone who uses Norton Park.
There are many people passing through the doors every day, so I am always thinking about how we can improve their experience, and visit.
Q: What experience or past project best prepared you for this role?
When you join the Army, strong values and standards are instilled in you from the very beginning. Those principles stay with you throughout your career and can be applied in any organisation.
During my military career, I participated in several large-scale facilities and infrastructure projects, as well as the management of facilities, logistics, and operational support. These roles often required leading large teams and coordinating complex projects to successful completion.
While Norton Park is a very different environment, many of the same principles apply. We may be a smaller team, but we are a close-knit one with a strong focus on delivering on our commitments. That culture of accountability, teamwork, and reliability is something I look forward to bringing to the role.
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