Meet The Team- Ruth Edwards-Spry, Office Manager

If you’ve ever worked with Kemp, the chances are you’ve spoken to Ruth. Whether it’s discussing a quotation, coordinating schedules or answering compliance queries, she’s often the friendly and organised voice behind the scenes helping projects run smoothly.

Ruth joined Kemp 11 years ago after finishing university and looking for a permanent role, particularly as she had just taken on a mortgage. Although Kemp wasn’t her first job, she knew she wanted to head in a different career direction. She originally interviewed for a utility surveyor position despite having no experience in the field. The interview clearly left a lasting impression, as instead of offering her the surveying role, the team created an office-based position tailored to her strengths.

Today, as Office Manager, Ruth plays a central role in the day-to-day operations of the business. Her responsibilities range from preparing and sending quotations to scheduling works and producing RAMS. She manages supplier questionnaires and oversees the company’s compliance platforms, including Constructionline (incorporating Builders Profile) and CQMS, ensuring Kemp maintains the high standards required across the industry.

A large part of her role involves liaising with clients, supporting tender submissions and keeping communication flowing between teams. The variety is something she enjoys as no two days are ever quite the same.

Over the years, Ruth has achieved several milestones that have supported both her own development and the growth of the company. One of her standout achievements was taking on and implementing traffic management organisation within the business, enabling Kemp to tender for larger and more complex projects. She also played a key role in securing Constructionline Gold and SMAS SSIP accreditations. On a personal level, gaining her NEBOSH certificate remains a proud accomplishment and one that continues to support her responsibilities today.

When asked what she values most about working at Kemp, Ruth highlights the flexibility the company provides.

“The flexibility is something I really value. It allows me to balance work and life in a way that works well for me.”

Outside of work, Ruth is happiest by the sea. She enjoys sea swimming and collecting sea glass along the shoreline, a simple way to switch off and recharge.

If she weren’t in her current role, she says that in an ideal world she’d be rescuing cats. Realistically, she would likely still be working within a private company or perhaps for the local council, but hopefully somewhere she could continue to make a positive impact.

Travel is another passion. Greece, San Francisco, Egypt, Alaska, Croatia, Albania, Italy and Norway are all on her list. While she admits she’s not a fan of the travelling itself, she loves experiencing new cultures, landscapes and places completely different from home.

After more than a decade with the company, Ruth remains a vital part of Kemp, ensuring that every project is supported from the very first enquiry.