At AQS, the team is the beating heart of everything we do. Maja Abramek’s journey to her current role as Project Manager for the Education Sector at AQS is an inspiring example of commitment to excellence and passion—qualities that perfectly embody what AQS is all about. 

Having joined the company in July 2022, Maja has rapidly progressed, driven by her passion, hard work, adaptability, and focus on supporting her team while delivering outstanding results. 

Here, we learn more about her journey to becoming a Project Manager, what motivates her, and what a typical day looks like. 

Tell us a little bit about your background and journey to working in Facilities Management 

I started as a housekeeper in hotels and care homes, later moving on to retail supervisory roles while pursuing a photography degree. Each role taught me something valuable and shaped who I am today. 

I joined AQS in July 2022 after my mother, who was part of the events team. After being informed that AQS had some vacancies available, I thought this sounded like something I would be interested in, so I applied for the role. Although I didn’t secure the role I initially interviewed for, Robin Kinrade, Director at AQS, saw potential in me and offered me the role of Office Manager. I didn’t have much experience with office work, but I was eager to learn. By January 2023, I was promoted to Operations Support Manager, and in April 2024, I became Project Manager for the Education Sector. It’s been a fast-paced journey, but I thrive on challenges. 

What does a typical day look like for you? 

My role is incredibly dynamic and involves overseeing cleaning projects for schools and student accommodations, which requires detailed planning and problem-solving. During the summer, I manage deep cleans for student accommodations - a massive undertaking. For instance, last year, we cleaned over 5,700 locations across eight cities across the UK. While challenging, it’s deeply rewarding to see everything come together. 

Each day starts with reviewing schedules to ensure all projects are on track. I spend time coordinating with site managers to address immediate issues and ensure any challenges are promptly resolved. Managing supplies is also a critical aspect of my day, as I must confirm that all necessary materials are ordered and delivered to the right locations and on time. This combination of strategic planning and hands-on problem-solving keeps my days both varied and engaging. Basically, my hands and eyes are on everything; this includes wages, HR, administration, accounting, orders, health and safety and many other tasks.

What challenges or hurdles must be overcome as a Project Manager for Education? 

The scale and complexity of the projects can be demanding. For example, student accommodation deep cleans have specific requirements, and we often face tight deadlines. We sometimes need to adapt to challenges like hard water build-up or work around refurbishments. However, the biggest challenge is always time, which is why planning and contingency strategies are crucial. 

Another hurdle is meeting the varying needs of each location. In a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school, you must adapt your cleaning schedules to accommodate the students’  and teachers’ requirements. 

What do you believe is the key to successfully running education sector contracts? 

Communication and teamwork are vital. I work closely with cleaners, site managers, and clients to ensure everything runs smoothly. During the summer student accommodation deep cleans, having support from colleagues like: Anna Psztyk (Associate Regional Director at AQS), Robin Kinrade (Regional Director at AQS), Kamila Szmyt (Supervisor at AQS), Viktoriia Griscenko (Area Manager at AQS) make all the difference. This role is not a one-person job; it’s about collaboration and flexibility. 

Understanding my team’s needs and challenges is essential. Investing in good people pays off, as they often exceed expectations. Recognising team strengths and weaknesses allows me to plan effectively and adapt when unexpected situations arise. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I love that my work is valued. Knowing what I do makes a difference for my team and our clients is incredibly fulfilling. Building relationships with colleagues and seeing our collective efforts lead to success is particularly rewarding. It’s all about supporting others and creating an environment where everyone can excel. 

One of the most meaningful pieces of feedback came from a supervisor who told Robin and Anna how much they appreciated my support. They said, “Maja is brilliant. She’s going to be such a big help to the team this year.” Moments like that remind me why I do what I do. 

Any aspirations for the future? 

I want to continue building a strong team for student accommodation cleaning, which I see as my core responsibility. I’m always looking for ways to grow and improve personally and professionally. My goal is to consistently deliver exceptional results and foster a positive environment for everyone involved. 

My journey has taught me the importance of hard work, adaptability, and supporting others. At AQS, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible people who share these values. We’ve achieved so much together, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. Anything is possible with proper planning, clear communication, and team investment. 

Please visit here if you’d like to know more about the team. 

If you would like to learn more about how we can support you with cleaning schools or student accommodation, please get in touch by calling 01443 217000 or emailing info@aqualityservice.co.uk.