As the trucks, trailers, and EWPs come and go beyond his office window, Manaf Mir is in his element.

He’s reviewing data, making recommendations and using his expertise as a systems and data analyst to help shape the current and future operations of Aerial Access – Active Tree Services’ sister company and Australia’s foremost distributor of elevated work platforms.

Manaf could never have imagined this would be his future when he stepped off a plane from Pakistan more than six years ago.

Manaf explains he came to Australia to undertake a masters degree, having previously studied business and marketing.

“I worked in digital marketing and quickly realised it wasn’t for me,” Manaf says.

“So, I decided to go back to uni, and came here to study for a Masters in Business Analytics.”

That qualification landed Manaf a role as a systems analyst at a construction product manufacturer before he was headhunted for Aerial Access in July last year.

“I was contacted by a recruiter and that was the first time I heard about Active,” Manaf says.

“And I soon learned they’re about far more than cutting trees.”

Manaf works in Aerial Access’ fleet department in a role that sees him reviewing an array of data and systems relating to everything from financial reporting to fleet management.

“I analyse the company’s data to help management make informed and better decisions,” Manaf explains. 

“I also look at systems and development, filling a gap between stakeholders and developers when it comes to the Fleet Management System.”

He notes the job allows him to identify patterns including inefficiencies and potential problems.

“For example, we were having an issue with some machines, and it happened again and again.

“We checked the data, which allowed us to identify it only occurred in one brand, so we raised the issue with the manufacturer and now that problem has been mitigated.”

Manaf is based at Active’s Bayswater depot, which also serves as a major workshop for the assembly, servicing and maintenance of equipment that Aerial supplies to clients in the electrical, power line maintenance, local government, and vegetation management industries.

“My office is above the workshop, and I love seeing all the trucks coming and going,” he says.

“Every day there’s new machinery that we’re servicing or providing to other contractors and companies.”

Manaf notes his role allows him to create an impact and make a difference within the business, which he finds incredibly rewarding.

He also appreciates the people-first ethos of the Active Tree Services and Aerial Access brands.   

“I love the culture, the people and the diversity here,” Manaf says.

“Everyone is supportive, approachable and collaborative, and they take really good care of their employees.”

That’s not to say moving to the other side of the world and starting a whole new chapter of life has always been easy.

Manaf explains arriving in Australia was a bit of a culture shock and completing his second year of uni during Victoria’s notoriously tough Covid lockdowns was particularly hard.

“That was pretty isolating,” he recalls.

But he’s since settled in, embracing hobbies that include electronic dance music, cinema, cooking, and snooker.

“I was 21 when I moved here in 2019, and I was all alone,” he says.

“Since then, I’ve finished my degree and found a great job and I’m really proud of those achievements.”

As for the future, Manaf is keen to continue with Aerial Access and hopes to reside in Australia permanently.

“My plan is to grow within the company, and the goal is to become a data engineer,” he says.

“I love it here in Australia, the people are friendly, they don’t judge and there’s a sense of freedom.”