Spotlight on…

Tell us about how you came to be at Phillips 66 and what you were doing before.

I started as an Assistant Site Manager for Barratt Homes – working on high-end residential and from there (via RG Group) I made a move to Mace and worked on the Chelsea Barracks. I was looking after the external construction for the townhouses and managing a small team. A really enjoyable project but challenging! I was then approached to join Mid Group and completed a number of school projects before working on a number of hospital ward conversions during Covid. When my current role at Phillips 66 Limited came up, I didn’t know a huge amount about it but I knew it was construction and that was good enough for me! I’ve always been someone that’s up for exploring new areas and learning new skills.

How did you get into construction?

I did a degree in Building Surveying – and from a really early age always knew that I wanted to be in construction or property in some way. When I left university I got a graduate role as a building surveyor for a housing association – but I really didn’t enjoy it. But it did teach me how to manage a budget and that the right decision isn’t always the most popular one!

What does being a Construction Manager entail?

I am basically all things construction! For our CODO sites I manage all of the redevelopments and onsite construction work. When we did the refinery site in Humber, an intense two-year project, I had just started with the company – so it was a baptism of fire! I also manage all upgrades and any on-going maintenance of the sites – shop and forecourt plus I look after the imaging side, so pole sign, canopy etc. On the DODO sites I manage the imaging, the pump maintenance and as we begin to roll out our EV charging offer, the installation of the chargers.

Tell us a little more about the EV Chargers.

In terms of getting them set up on our company-owned sites it’s been relatively straight forward – and they look smart! With the dealer-owned sites it’s a more complex process as we need to lease the land etc. – but all very do-able.

Talk us through a typical working week.

If I have several large projects going at the same time (which is often the case) then it looks something like this: preparing for site meetings, coordinating the different contractors, organising site meeting minutes. If there are projects in planning I need to make sure we’ve discharged our planning conditions and we’re up to date on everything. A typical week would also likely include resolving any design, construction and/or health and safety issues. And then if my projects are live, travelling to site for site meetings with the architect, lead contractor and surveyor – and leading those meetings to make sure we’re all on track and hitting deadlines.

My team is small (it’s basically me and me!) with support from two admin colleagues – so it’s full on, but I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing a project across the finishing line and I’ve definitely had some proud moments.

What do you most enjoy about your job and what is the most challenging?

I’m a sociable person and I like to talk to people. I enjoy the interactions between the different parties – I have a lot of contact with other stakeholders both internally and externally. And of course completing the job and knowing you’re a part of it – is very satisfying. The most challenging aspect? When you’re swinging in one direction and other people are swinging in the other – if you’re not careful it’s the perfect recipe for chaos!

What are the qualities you need to do your job well?

You need to be firm but balanced. It’s no good being too hard-headed because you’re in danger of missing the detail. You need to be someone who can lead and good communication skills (across the board) are vital. And you also need a good eye for detail – you miss one thing and it can ruin a project. A very expensive domino effect! None of it’s possible without the support of a talented team of people.