A day in the life of Ferhat Goual

Ferhat is the Contracts Manager at Q3’s contract with Chelsea Harbour and is responsible for cleaning services across the site.

What time do you start your day?
I usually start my day at 4:30am. It’s an early start, but it’s important in my role. We run two shifts, one beginning at 5am and the other at 1pm, so I like to make sure I’m present and available to support both teams. Getting in early means I can go through any overnight emails or messages, check in with staff, and ensure everything is running smoothly from the very start. If there are any last-minute changes or urgent issues, I can address them straightaway.

What does a typical day/week look like for you and how do you organise your work?
No two days are ever quite the same, especially at a place such as Chelsea Harbour. It’s a vibrant, mixed-use development across 20 acres along the Thames in west London. Here we service everything from over 120 showrooms, 160,000 square feet of office space, a luxury five-star hotel, a marina with 80 berths, parking for more than 1,000 vehicles, and 310 exclusive residential apartments. Here, every occupant and visitor has very high expectations. We’re very visible across the site so need to maintain a smart appearance with clean and professional uniforms, as they are often noticed by tenants and visitors. I always begin the day by reviewing messages and emails to flag any urgent tasks. Then I check that the daily schedules for staff are in place and being followed, and if needed, I’ll adjust them to accommodate any emergencies or high-priority jobs. During the week, I attend site visits, client meetings, and audits to make sure everything is up to standard. I always plan ahead, but I also leave space in my schedule for flexibility; things change quickly in this role, and we need to be able to respond quickly. Ultimately, it’s about keeping the team running smoothly and staying proactive.

What do you most enjoy about your workday?
The most satisfying days are the ones where everything falls into place: no issues, no complaints, just a well-executed day. But I also enjoy the challenge of problem-solving. When something goes wrong and you’re able to put it right, that’s very rewarding. At Chelsea Harbour, we host three major international events each year, attracting designers from all over the world. During these events, the team is fully focused on ensuring everything runs smoothly – there is no room for mistakes. If we encounter any challenges, these need to be addressed immediately to avoid disruption, especially during large-scale events like the WOW!house. Quick response and coordination are essential to maintain high standards throughout an event. Challenges are also an opportunity to grow and learn. I also really appreciate those small moments of recognition, whether it’s a client thanking us or my line manager acknowledging good work. That kind of feedback goes a long way. I take pride in having an organised environment where everything is where it should be, and the team is working together efficiently.

What do you have for lunch?
I always make time for lunch, and I plan ahead so it’s never rushed. I prefer to eat healthily, and I keep my meals simple and consistent. Being organised in this area helps me stay focused throughout the day. I also encourage my team to do the same, I want them to take proper breaks and look after themselves. Whether I’m on site or not, I make sure they’ve got time set aside to eat and reset. It’s all part of creating a professional and balanced working environment.

How do you manage stress at work?
After nearly 20 years in this field, including some high-pressure event work, I’ve learned how to manage stress effectively. The key for me is staying calm and never letting stress show to the team. If they see me panicking, it will only add to the pressure. I stay organised, prioritise tasks carefully, and communicate regularly with staff so we can solve problems together. I also encourage the team to view challenges as opportunities to learn rather than setbacks. When things get particularly busy, I make sure we all take breaks and get enough rest; it makes a big difference. And I never hesitate to ask for help if needed, whether it’s from a client, manager, or colleague.

What does a typical evening routine look like for you?
Even after finishing work, I keep an eye on things. Our second shift runs into the evening, so I like to be available until around 9pm just in case anything urgent crops up. That way I can make sure any issues are sorted, and the next day starts off more smoothly. Outside of work, I really value family time. I’m also very active: I go running most days, covering about 30 to 35 miles a week, and I regularly swim and play football. It’s important to me to stay both mentally and physically fit.

What do you do to relax?
My main way to relax is through exercise. Whether it’s running, football or swimming, that’s how I disconnect from the pressures of the day. It clears my mind completely and helps me reset. I find that being active is the best way to stay balanced, it gives me space to think and a break from any stress or noise outside of that moment.