Sims Limited is invested in supporting the women who already work with us in the Sims Metal division by offering internal mentorship programs, like the one launched by Sims Limited, “Women Leading @Sims.”

We want to encourage all women around the globe they can not only work in the metal recycling industry but also perfectly fit in and become incredibly successful. 

Jamie Fienan – Director of Transportation, NAM, is one of them. Jamie is new to the metal recycling industry, but she has 30 years of experience in the global container transportation industry, another traditionally male-dominated industry.

We asked what her experience as a woman in male-dominated industries has been, and here is her response:

“As a woman, I always feel confident walking into a room full of men and running with it, including making quick decisions that have a long-lasting impact and explaining the rationale. I think it’s all about believing in yourself. Strive to lead confidently and remain calm in all situations, don’t let anyone intimidate you or make you think you don’t belong. Be where you want to be and believe you deserve it.”  

Jamie Fienan
Director of Transportation

We asked Jamie to provide us with 10 tips on how to succeed as a woman in a career in the recycling industry:

1. Cultivate your ability to decide and be confident 
2. Think strategically and strategize for success
3. Persevere and stick to your guns
4. Keep an open mind and be adaptable
5. Have an openness to learning new technology systems
6. Stop competing and comparing, know what you are worth
7. Set good examples for women and men alike
8. Step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself 
9. Promote yourself and do a self-assessment often
10. Take a seat at the table and don’t be afraid to speak up even if you’re the only woman in the room

There is no such thing as a woman’s or a man’s job. Gender should not determine your professional opportunities. Sims welcomes more women to work in the metal recycling industry and join Jamie and the other women leaders at Sims. At Sims Metal, we are committed to encouraging and inspiring more women to consider a career in this industry.

If you’re interested in working at Sims Metal, click here.

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The people who work in a company’s transportation department play a central role because they are responsible for directing, coordinating, planning, and overseeing tasks and operations related to moving vast amounts of goods/commodities.

Jamie Fienan, Director of Transportation for Sims Metal in North America, is a leader in the transportation department who recently joined the company in 2022. With 30 years of expertise, she has one of the most valuable roles in the company.  

Keep reading to get to know Jamie and the crucial role she plays at Sims Metal. 

How long have you been working in transportation?

“I have worked in logistics and transportation my entire career, and this is my first time in the metal recycling industry, and I enjoy the challenge and opportunity. My career has focused on the global containerized shipping business, and I have been in transportation and logistics for over 30 years. Sims Metal recruited me last Spring, and I began full-time in July 2022.”

The recycling industry is a new industry for you. How are you finding it?

“It’s fascinating, and I enjoy learning more about this evolving industry. The recycling industry is ever-changing, and there is an increased interest across the globe in sustainability. It’s a dynamic and exciting industry with the opportunity to make a real difference in the world for environmental, social, and economic benefits. In this dynamic marketplace, you will always have something on the horizon to look forward to, learn from, and grow in your career.” 

What are your primary responsibilities as Director of the Transportation Department in NAM?

“My goal is to professionalize our transportation department and streamline roles and responsibilities. In addition, I will create KPIs to drive the business and provide a definition of efficiency within transportation. My role also includes ensuring that the TMS System Review, our transportation management system, is meaningful and covers all our objectives and means for operations and commercial in NAM. In other words, I am an advocate for transportation nationally.”

What would you say is the secret to a successful career?

“I am a very driven person; I have always had clear goals. After graduating from college, I worked in the global container shipping industry. I have a well-rounded background and comprehensive insights into transportation and operations. I was fortunate to hold roles in various departments. I earned my MBA in marketing and international business, and I have ascended in my career by taking very calculated steps and thankfully landed my dream job!”

What’s the role of the transportation department in a company like Sims Metal? Why is it so important?

“I believe the transportation department is by far the most important department within Sims Metal globally. The Transportation department is the backbone of this company. Essentially, we need to move goods from point A to B, and we work with commercial on one end and operations on the other. The Transportation department is the central steering point of these two departments; without us, nothing would ever get where it needs to be.”

How has Sims Metal made you feel welcomed in the company?

“Michael Henderson, Jr. my direct reporting manager, has been wonderful and is a tremendous mentor to me. Everyone has been very kind and supportive. I’m fortunate to work with a great team who shares my vision. I have been traveling a lot since I started working with Sims Metal. I visited every region and almost every yard and met a lot of different personnel. Everyone has been very professional and shared their successes and current challenges. At the end of the day, any business is all about the people who work here, and I’m impressed by the personnel I’ve encountered who helped me learn more about their daily challenges so I can support them with productive solutions; this has been a great experience.”

Why would you say working at Sims Metal is a good idea?

“Sims is taking the right steps to grow and improve through new systems, diversity, and human resources; if your interest is sustainability and working for a company that wants to grow, improve and make a change, Sims Metal is the place for you.”

Thanks, Jamie for answering all our questions and explaining the critical role that the Director of Transportation NAM and the Transportation Department play at Sims Metal. 

At Sims Metal, we are an enabler of the circular economy. We buy metal from businesses, other recyclers, and the public; we process it and resell it to manufacturers around the globe. The Transportation department, jointly with the other business departments, makes all this possible.

Read more stories about women working at Sims Metal here!

The post Get to know Jamie Fienan, Director of Transportation – NAM, and the critical role she plays at Sims Metal appeared first on Sims Metal.

At Sims Metal, we are committed to tackling this stereotype head on by inspiring more women to consider a career in this industry.

In the last few years, more women have joined the metal recycling industry and are achieving success. Anna Tompkins, Commercial Director at Sims Metal, is one of those.

Her story is a great example of how the metal recycling industry can be incredibly welcoming, inspiring and exciting for women, as well as for men.

Anna has been working in this industry for 18 years. Thanks to her talent, combined with support from her mentors and colleagues, she has accomplished a rewarding career.

Not only does Anna have a very fascinating story, but she is also an inspiration for future generations of women who wish to break the gender bias within this industry.

1. Hi Anna, please tell us about your career and your role at Sims. How long have you been working in the metal recycling industry?

“I joined this industry in 2004. I was hired by Montgomery Scrap Corporation in Rockville, MD as their first female scrap buyer. I had customer service and account management skills, but I didn’t know anything about scrap metal. Being new to the industry, I had to learn it all: logistics, some operations, and of course ferrous and non-ferrous buying. In 2007, Montgomery Scrap Corporation merged with a shredder in Baltimore called United Iron and Metal. That completely changed my view of ferrous buying. Around that time I was promoted to Client Relation Manager, and then I was later promoted to Director of Marketing. In 2020, I was appointed Vice President with overall responsibility for managing the commercial, customer service and marketing teams.

Throughout this time, I have always been part of the commercial buying team. In March 2022, Sims Metal acquired Atlantic Recycling Group, and my new title is Commercial Director.”

2. Why did you decide to join this industry?

“I started working for an Occupational Health company and Montgomery Scrap Corporation was one of my clients. I came in to meet the team, asked if I could get a tour, and I immediately fell in love. A few weeks later, they asked me to come back, but I didn’t know it was for an interview! They made me an offer that I couldn’t refuse, and they told me what I still tell people: “you’ll know in nine months if this business is for you. You’re either going to love it and stay, or you’re going to move on.” At that moment, I thought I was going to move on. I had a five-year plan, and this industry was not part of it – but here I am. Because it’s been such an unusual, but fulfilling path, I really believe that I have an obligation to be an ambassador for the metal industry and tell women how fantastic it can be.”

3. What are the obstacles preventing women from pursuing a career in this industry? What do you think stops them?

“The scrap metal industry is not generally viewed as a very glamourous industry. Additionally, many potential employees have little scrap metal experience. The way we create job postings can play a critical role in overcoming this. By being clear that we are hiring for skill set, not scrap knowledge, we can really encourage diversity in prospective employees, which will create a more diverse workforce. One thing that I believe about Sims Metal is that everyone will be given the resources and support needed to succeed, and grow.”

4. Do you think things have changed over the last few years? If so, how?

“Yes, they have, and I have seen it firsthand. I have seen many young and adult women given great opportunities into these businesses over the years. They’re coming in with a tremendous amount of education and confidence and I really think that this is a sign of good things to come. Progress has been made, but there is much more work to be done.”

5. How has Sims made you feel welcomed in the company?

“I have been supported in this company from the top-down. Every person I have encountered – Vincent Marinaro, VP Non-Ferrous, Steve Fisher, VP Supplier Services – have been professional and helpful. The women in this organization are remarkable. From Vania Grandi the VP of Global Buy Force to Stela Carvalho, Office Manager, their insights and guidance have been incredibly valuable.

Joe Payesko, Chief Commercial Officer, has also been extremely supportive of me, and he has made sure that I feel heard and included – and the list goes on and on.”

6. I know you’re part of the “Association of Women in the Metal Industries.” Why did you decide to join them and how do you think this association supports the advancement of women in the metal industry?

“I joined AWMI in 2011 because even though I had a fabulous employer who was supporting me, everywhere I went there was nobody like me. My bosses, peers and customers were male. I knew that I needed a place where I could be given networking, educational and mentoring opportunities from other women; that’s why I initially joined and it was one of the best professional decisions I have made to date. AWMI’s mission is to provide women in this industry with networking, growth, educational and mentoring opportunities. These are often in short supply, particularly in scrap yards, mills, service centers and distributors where the workforce tends to be mostly male.”

7. What’s your role in the association?

“I am part of the international board of directors and currently hold the position of Marketing Chair. They asked me to serve as a VP when my chair is up in 2023 with the expectation that I will become the president of the organization. This will give me the chance to reach out to as many women as possible not only at AWMI, but also at Sims. I look forward to representing Sims on this platform as I believe that we should be working together to continue making the progress that our industry needs to see around diversity and inclusion.”

We are so thankful that Anna shared her story with us. We hope she can be an inspiration for all women around the world who wish to start a career in this industry.

At Sims Metal, we are working hard to make sure everyone feels welcomed, valued and supported. Our parent company, Sims Limited, is actively investing in women. For example, in 2021, the company launched a coaching and development program, Women Leading @ Sims, to support the next generation of women leaders across all business divisions.

Sims is not only committed to supporting women, but also every other employee regardless their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, or religion. We foster a work environment where difference is not only accepted, but also valued and supported.

The post Break the Gender Bias – Anna Tompkins, Commercial Director at Sims Metal, Tells Her Story appeared first on Sims Metal.