Age 27
Where are you based at the moment (who do you work for)?
S&T Interiors and Contracting, Dubai, UAE
In what year did you complete your honours degree?
2014
What path did you follow before ending up with your current company?
I started off as a Junior Construction Manager for Basil Read in Port Elizabeth where we were responsible for the construction of the Admin Craft Basin at the Port of Ngqura harbour in Coega. I then moved to London, UK, where I took up the role of Junior Project Manager for a consultancy firm. We were responsible for the expansion and renovations to the NHS Hospitals (Hammersmith, Charring Cross and St Mary’s), as well as various residential and commercial new builds and refurbishments in and around London. I was then given an opportunity to move to Muscat in Oman with my current company and was tasked with the position of Project Engineer. We were involved in the fit-out works for the Sundus Rotana and W Hotels. From Muscat, I was transferred to Duabi, UAE. I am currently in the position of Construction Manager where we are working on The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences on the Palm Jumeirah.
What is your current position and what does the role entail?
Construction Manager.
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Coordinate and supervise all on site activities
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Oversee onsite operations on a day-to-day basis
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Ensure that work is done safely, on time and within budget and to the right quality standards
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Determine labour requirements for each activity in line with the programme
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Discuss weekly progress at on site meetings with client
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Provide onsite team with all required information and sequencing of works to be completed
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Implement and create an environment where innovation is encouraged and rewarded
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Weekly handover targets discussed and executed with site team
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Ensure all tasks are completed as per approved method statements
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Uphold daily site records for deliveries, production quantities and constraints
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Update weekly KPI’s with project planner
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Inform the commercial team of any potential delays in line with access dates
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Ensuring QA/QC compliance as per project specifications
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Assist in RFI raising for changes or clarifications on site
What advice would you give a current construction management student?
Take any opportunities available to get practical experience on site. Whether it’s on weekends or during holiday periods. The information and experience that is gained on site is invaluable. It not only helps with understanding what is being taught in the lecture rooms, but also will have a big impact on the ability to be given a job opportunity upon graduation. I cannot recommend practical experience highly enough. Another good practice and piece of advice would be to network and socialise with industry professionals when given the opportunity. Attend all events that are organised by the construction management society.
What was your favourite module?
KBM, KES, KRS and KBS
Who was your favourite lecturer?
Prof. John Smallwood and Mr. Chris Allen
What are your plans for the next 5 to 10 years?
I would like to continue to gain as much experience as I can and be involved in as many high end, complex projects as possible. Either staying in the UAE for the next 5 years or possibly taking an opportunity in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong or Singapore, before moving to the UK and becoming a Project Manager for a well renowned consultancy firm where I can apply my experience and bring to life future clients visions using the latest technologies and construction ideas in an ever innovating industry.