Talking Careers: Stepping Up As A Senior Project Manager

My career path in a nutshell...

I started out in mining - Uranium mining in a new venture start up in Broken Hill from construction, commissioning to full operation. I then moved on to work at the Olympic Dam site In Roxby Downs for BHP. After a few years, I was keen to move away from the FIFO lifestyle when an opportunity presented itself at Schiavello which seemed interesting. It also allowed me to come back home full time to spend more quality time with friends. Starting out in a Site Coordinator role, one thing led to another and I soon progressed to a Site Coordinator role where I was looking after logistics and then my own projects and with time I moved up to a PM role.

What attracted me to the construction industry...

The opportunities it presents and the versatility of the projects. I have enjoyed the shift in dynamic of working across multiple sites with varying levels of challenges.

The steps I took to become a senior PM...

Over the last four years, I have worked closely with the leadership team to really develop not only my construction skillset, but my ability to manage teams. Dale Sweeney had set me a number of goals, about my personal growth, basic fundamentals of delivering projects with open communication, and high quality outcomes.

My promotion to a senior PM is on the back of delivering a number of successful projects. Some memorial ones that I am proud off include;

• Blackwood High School
• Goolwa Secondary College
• Goodwood Oval
• Margret Graham Building

Key to my success so far...

Having a mindset to approach each day with gratitude, empathy and mindfulness in each situation or challenge. That means remaining humble and in control of your emotions, being receptive to feedback and open to challenging the current norm to find avenues for new innovation.

Always maintaining the key project management principals of 'quality, cost and time' and finding a balance between the three pillars.

Best and most challenging part of the new role...

It's been great to see how far we’ve come over the last five years and the steps we’ve taken to help us get to where we are. In my new role, I am able to contribute to shaping the future strategy in a leadership capacity and that in itself is a highlight for me.

In my view, a key challenge is keeping up with changes in construction and the workplace, i.e. more virtual meetings, supplier issues. Leading a bigger team working on higher value projects means the challenges are greater and provide a larger platform to learn new skills.

My advice to anyone wanting to advance their career in construction...

Give it a crack - you’ve got to start somewhere no matter your background. Team up with a good mentor - people like teaching people who like to learn. So show a genuine interest in the role and a willingness to learn. Focus on gratitude, relationships, and building on your strengths and weaknesses.

And always remember, don’t be afraid to fail as this is where we learn the most.