Welcome to our In Focus series, where we shine a light on our Project Managers around the country. Week 3: James Lambert, Senior Project Manager, Project Management.
- What is your current role and main responsibilities?
Senior Project Manager, specialising in commercial new build projects - How did you get into this industry?
I started off selling residential real estate in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs but decided to go back to University and get a degree. This industry allows me the opportunity to still be involved in the two things I’m passionate about, property and people - Tell us a little bit about your career
I became a cadet in a QS firm whilst studying, who then branched off into offering PM services. Once I graduated, I managed to get an Assistant Project Manager role with Savills in Melbourne and worked my way to Project Manager within 12 months; I then relocated back to Sydney and started at the Savills Sydney office - What’s been your biggest challenge on a project and how did you overcome it?
Coming in on a project fairly late during its project lifecycle with a very demanding client and having to get up to speed quickly whilst still performing at my best each day - What motivates you?
Knowing that I was part of something that changed the Sydney skyline! - What makes a great Project Manager?
I don’t think there is defined set of criteria that makes a great PM as everyone brings something to the table, but some key attributes include effective communicator, ability to build trust and rapport, and a solid knowledge base - What is your most memorable moment of your career?
Finishing 60 Martin Place for Investa because it was a challenging project that had high expectations set from all parties which were met or exceeded. Also, having worked on the project full time for 2 years and seeing all that hard work come to fruition and the happiness it brought to the client was very satisfying - How can clients, consultants and contractors work together better?
Honesty and openness, we are all in this together trying to achieve a common goal. Collaboration is key. - What are some of the trends you are seeing in the industry?
Post COVID-19 the workplace as we have all come to know it will change; things such as density, meeting spaces, landlord measures put in place (security, hygiene etc.) will all change and this will have a flow on effect to project managers and how we design and build office space moving forward - What are three words that describe you?
Motivated, honest, approachable - How do you manage stakeholders?
Build rapport and trust to breakdown barriers typically seen in a client/consultant relationship and let them know I’m here to help achieve their goals right until the end - What do you do to keep learning and growing in your career?
Try to challenge myself with things I’m not familiar with or put myself in situations that encourage me to learn/grow. I also seek advice from those not only senior to me but on the same level or junior, as everyone has a point of view or way of doing things. It’s taking all the little pieces of advice and moulding them into your own approach/style - What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry?
Be open to opportunities and if you don’t know the answer, ask someone - What advice would you give to someone wanting to get in to Project Management?
Having a qualification (degree) helps get your foot in the door, and if they aren’t afraid of hard work, work with a contractor first to get a really solid foundation of knowledge and practical side of the nuts and bolts of how things are built - What do you do in your leisure time to de-stress?
Hang out with the kids, go to the gym, walk the dogs and enjoy the odd tipple - What is the single most important quality you need to possess to be in this industry?
Effective communication