Day in the Life – Rory Horseman
As part of our new ‘Day in the life’ series, we’re interviewing employees of all levels, across all areas of the business to learn more about them and how we all work together here at Three.
Today we’re getting to know Rory Horseman.
Vital stats:
- Job title: Partner Strategy Lead
- Function: Technology
- Tenure: 11 Months
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I live in Hampshire with my wife Michelle, 5-month-old daughter Amélie and dog Jaffa…both of whom keep us very busy & entertained at the same time. I’m a big adventurer, who loves nothing more than being in the great outdoors exploring the world (or UK as the last few years would have it).
I have spent most of my working career in the telecoms world, despite studying varying guises of Drama as part of my under/post graduate degrees. More recently, before joining Three last April I co-owned a running coaching company focused around improving runners of all abilities, as well as promoting the mental benefits of being active. In 2021 alone we got over 500 people running virtually from Land’s End to John O’Groats throughout the year, a distance of 874 miles!
In a nutshell, describe your role and how you support our business objectives
My role focuses on ‘all things strategy’ as part of our Commercial & Governance team within Technology. Our team ultimately supports this area of the business to define strategic initiatives and provide direction & support to our Partner Landscape.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
Given the breadth of my role no two days look the same which is both exciting and challenging in equal amounts. I am frequently working across numerous projects/objectives offering up ideation & recommendation where needed, to ensure we achieve the correct outputs for the business. I am often having to think outside of the box, challenge the status quo and assist in the encouragement of a collaborative approach across business functions. Some of the key projects I am currently focused on include helping our Technology function to deliver significant OPEX savings, coupled with contributing/owning numerous ‘operational’ projects to improve the way we work internally, and with our partners, with a view to ultimately deliver a great customer experience for all.
What is on the cards for 2022 in your world?
In our Strategy team for 2022 we are very much focused on spearheading our Technology OPEX challenge, to ensure we can reduce our annual expenditure and improve the overall margin position for the business. We are additionally placing significant resource on how we can operate ‘smarter’ as a business function, so that we can create a ‘best in class’ experience for our partners, whilst simplifying our internal ways of working through automation and alleviation of admin/processes. We have also put a big focus on how we better communicate & educate our wider business & partners about the great work we are doing in Technology in a simple format that removes all of the jargon. Lastly, our team are regularly thinking further ahead than just 2022, to ensure that we have the best tools, systems, processes and more in place to drive the overall growth ambition of the business, without compromising on customer experience.
How have you found returning to the office?
Returning to the office has been fantastic, especially one as lovely as Green Park! I have certainly missed those face-to-face meetings over a coffee (and a cake). Whilst I have become well versed in working from home even prior to joining Three, sometimes you just can’t beat the buzz of being in an office environment. I also find getting collaborative work done is much easier when all sat around a table surrounded by screens and whiteboards. It is going to be both interesting & I’m sure at times challenging how we all adapt to using an office space in a much more hybrid fashion than before.
How have you supported your personal wellbeing during the past 18 months?
I am an avid runner, who has found getting out into the great outdoors a fantastic mechanism to positively improve my personal wellbeing. It is a great way to clear your head, keep fit and justify that extra bit of cake during the week. I have also found that some of my best ideas have come to mind during a lunch time run.
Give us a fun fact…
I am currently working towards completing all of the World Marathon Majors (Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York & Tokyo) and becoming a ‘6-Star Finisher’, something that only c.650 people in the UK have accomplished. With Berlin, London and Chicago already under my belt, next month sees me head to Boston to collect my 4th star, with New York and Tokyo scheduled for 2023.
