Meet our people

Meet Sam Dobson, Operational Excellence Lead in Northampton UK, she shares her experience of becoming a parent and how the she’s able to take on opportunities for development with flexible working.  

“My career at Drax began in Sales Admin, where I started as an administrator and eventually progressed to become a Team Leader. In 2012 I had my first son, and on my return to work I was lucky enough to have role developed for me, tailored to my strengths in problem-solving and process improvement, while also reducing my hours to three days a week. I transitioned into the role of Business Analyst in 2015, while expecting my second son, and in January 2024 I joined the Operational Excellence team, my dream job. Throughout these changes, Drax supported my flexible working hours, enabling me to balance career progression with family commitments. I have been able to pursue new opportunities in new teams, embracing hybrid working and reduced hours to achieve the work-life balance that suits me. 

My approach to work and career decisions has been shaped by the need for work-life balance, particularly after having children. Drax’s support for flexible working patterns and hybrid options has been invaluable. This flexibility fosters loyalty, as parents understand the importance of balancing work and family life. Initially, stability was paramount, and Drax respected my decision not to pursue advancement.  

As I continue my journey with Drax, I am grateful for the continued opportunities to grow professionally while maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance.”

Meet Mark Puglas, Director of Indigenous Engagement & Partnerships at Drax, based in the beautiful Campbell River, BC. With eight years under his belt at Drax, he is excited to share my journey with you… 

“What drew me to Drax initially was its acquisition of Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc., the largest customer of good quality Industrial Pellets. The prospect of joining a company with ambitions of leading the world in sustainable biomass generation and supply was thrilling. It was an opportunity to be part of something big, something meaningful. 

Since joining Drax, I’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation. Not only has the business grown, but there’s also been a profound shift in our approach to engaging with Indigenous communities. From managing operations in Meadowbank and High-Level Alberta to my current role, the journey has been a continuous learning experience. I’ve come to understand the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures and the vital importance of building authentic relationships based on trust and respect. 

One aspect of my time at Drax that fills me with pride is our commitment to community engagement. The implementation of initiatives like the Drax Community, Drax Foundation, and Drax Communities in Crisis Fund in Canada has had a tangible positive impact on the communities where we operate. It’s inspiring to see how our efforts are making a real difference in the lives of people around us. 

If I were to describe the Drax culture in five words, I’d say it’s a “Diverse and Inclusive working environment.” At Drax, we celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive culture where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. It’s this sense of belonging and shared purpose that makes Drax such a special place to work. 

My journey at Drax has been one of growth, learning, and community impact. I’m grateful to be part of a company that is not only leading the way in sustainable biomass but also making a positive difference in the world around us.”

Meet Brent Mason, a Lead Control Room Operator at Morehouse, USA, who has grown and flown alongside Drax, through many life changes and challenges. 

“My journey with Drax began in Bastrop, Louisiana, US, back when we were known as Drax Biomass. In June, it’ll mark a decade since I joined this incredible team. Back then, I was single, with no kids, juggling shift work. But life had its plans, and along the way, I met my now-wife. My goal shifted to working more traditional workdays to start a family. After years of challenging work, I finally achieved that goal, and for the past four years, I’ve enjoyed the stability of a “straight day schedule”, allowing me to cherish moments with my wife and daughter. 

Drax has been instrumental in supporting my career growth and personal life balance. From opportunities to travel to different sites for trainings to collaborating with process engineers, I’ve felt valued and appreciated. During a challenging period, I stepped up as a shift supervisor for three months. It wasn’t easy, but with the unwavering support of my wife, we managed to navigate through it together. 

Stepping into a leadership role during night shifts, guiding supervisors, and contributing to the site’s growth was incredibly empowering. It was a testament to the trust and support Drax places in its employees, making me proud to be part of this team. Drax has been instrumental in supporting my career growth and personal life balance. From opportunities to travel to different sites for trainings to collaborating with process engineers, I’ve felt valued and appreciated.  

As I continue my journey with Drax, I look forward to embracing new challenges and contributing to our success, knowing that my family will always be by my side.“

Introducing Laura Offord, Energy Services Project Administrator in Ipswich UK since 2020. Laura tells us about joining Drax during the pandemic and how she embraces work/life balance through working compressed hours. 

My journey with Drax began in a whirlwind, joining the team just two days before lockdown in March. Little did I know, life had another surprise in store as I fell pregnant before our office doors reopened in 2020. When I first discovered I was expecting and during the pandemic, I was understandably nervous about sharing the news with my new colleagues. As a pregnant employee, I felt genuinely cared for and supported by the proactive measures taken by Drax to ensure our safety. Now, four years later, I can confidently say that I love this company and the opportunities it offers. 

Balancing work and personal life have been made easier thanks to Drax’s flexibility and understanding. Recognising the financial strain of childcare costs, I proposed a flexible working arrangement that allowed me to work longer hours on fewer days, minimising the impact on my family’s finances. The trust and honesty within our team meant that I could navigate occasional lateness or swapped workdays without any judgment, knowing that I would always make up for the lost time. 

My approach to work and career decisions has been deeply influenced by my personal journey. Motherhood has taught me to appreciate the value of adult conversations and the support network found in the workplace. While I considered taking on new challenges within Drax I prioritised stability and family, knowing that home life is where my heart lies. As I continue to grow both personally and professionally, I am grateful to be part of the Drax. “

Introducing Chris Thornton, Marketing Executive in Northampton, sharing his career transition and balancing career growth with the joys of co-raising two young children.  

My adventure with Opus and Drax started in 2018 with aspirations to support my family in a move from Ipswich to Northamptonshire UK. Transitioning from a Marketing role, I embraced the opportunity of a more operational role at Opus, leveraging my previous experience in the industry. 

Over the years, I navigated through various roles within operations, including regulatory procedures and contributions to the nationwide smart meter rollout. After a couple of years of driving thousands of smart meter installations, I realised the need for a new challenge! Fortunately, an opportunity arose within Opus’s Marketing function, aligning with my background and expertise. Since January 2023, I’ve been thriving in my role as a Marketing Executive, balancing career growth with the joys of co-raising two young children.  

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned to embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth. Adapting to shifting teams, structures, and leadership has been essential, requiring resilience and a proactive mindset. Opus’s support for flexible working hours has been invaluable, allowing me to balance career aspirations with personal commitments. 

As I continue my journey with Opus/Drax, I remain committed to embracing new challenges, fostering positive change, and making meaningful contributions to the organization’s success. 

Meet Lauren Batchelor, Treasury Manager in London UK, who is tackles her challenging role with authenticity and inclusion. 

Joining Drax during the pandemic presented a unique set of circumstances. With office visits restricted, it was challenging to fully grasp the company’s culture. However, the warmth and friendliness of my colleagues shone through even during socially distanced meetups. One colleague, who happened to live nearby, made the effort to connect, and our walks before joining were a great introduction to the Drax community. Fast forward nearly three years, and I’m still here! The Treasury Team is ever changing and always face different challenges but get it done together. 

Treasury plays a pivotal role across Drax, both internally and externally. Developing strong relationships is essential, and I firmly believe that authenticity is the key. When meeting new people, I am explicit about my personal life—I have a wife. If the environment feels less than safe, I may use the term “partner.”  

To keep making more spaces safe for me to be myself, I’m very active in creating an inclusive culture, and there’s loads of ways to do that. I’m a member of our colleagues listening group, My Voice Forums, as well as a member of several Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) and part of the DEI workstream in Finance too. I love that Drax has these spaces to participate and learn. As I continue my journey at Drax, I’m passionate about contributing to a workplace where everyone feels valued and heard. 

Meet Jean Jean-Baptiste, an IT SOC Specialist based in Houston, Texas.  

As an IT SOC Specialist based in Houston, I embarked on a transformative journey when I joined Drax on January 15, 2024. My name is Jean Jean-Baptiste, and I’m excited to share my experience with you. 

 When I first considered joining Drax, I was seeking opportunities for career growth. Drax stood out to me as a place where I could not only utilize my existing skill set but also push myself to new heights. From day one, I’ve been empowered to take on new challenges and expand my knowledge in the cybersecurity field. 

Since joining Drax, my role has evolved beyond technical expertise. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to mentor others in my life, whether it’s colleagues within the company or aspiring IT professionals outside of work. It’s truly fulfilling to see the impact I can make by sharing my experiences and insights with others. Whenever someone approaches me with questions or seeks guidance, I’m always eager to offer support and encouragement. 

One memorable experience that stands out to me is my orientation in Monroe. It was my first introduction to the Drax culture, and I was immediately struck by the warmth and helpfulness of everyone I encountered. From colleagues to leadership, everyone was genuinely invested in my success and made me feel like a valued member of the team from the start. It set the tone for my entire journey with Drax and reaffirmed my decision to join this incredible company. 

If I were to describe the Drax culture in five words, I would say: “Great working environment for the environment!” At Drax, we not only prioritize creating a positive and supportive workplace for our team members but also remain dedicated to environmental sustainability and responsibility. It’s a culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the world. 

In conclusion, my time at Drax has been nothing short of transformative. I’ve grown both personally and professionally, embraced mentorship opportunities, and found myself in a culture that values and celebrates each individual’s contributions. I look forward to continuing my journey with Drax and making a positive impact every step of the way.