Welcome to our In Focus series, where we shine a light on our Project Management team. This week we learn a little more about Simon Gazeley, Associate Director in Project Management.
- What is your current role and main responsibilities?
Associate Director. I am approximately 70-80% hands-on with delivering projects, or overseeing other Project Managers, predominantly in the commercial & workplace sector. I also sit on the QLD Project Management leadership team with business development, resourcing and financial oversight responsibilities. - How did you get into this industry?
After graduation, I worked in the oil and gas sector as a mechanical engineer, then the property sector as a facilities management engineer auditing property and specifying / overseeing engineering upgrades. I emigrated to Australia and took the opportunity to change career paths into project management, initially with a D&C workplace builder and then into consulting project management with Incoll/Savills. - What do you love most about your job?
I get to interact with everybody in the project lifecycle from the CEO to the apprentice - What’s been your biggest challenge on a project and how did you overcome it?
Recently I spent two years working with Macquarie on its $1bn+ Metro Martin Place development, project managing the concept and schematic design. Navigating through the ECI/GMP process with Lendlease and Metro/Authority/Functional requirements shaping the design was by far the biggest project challenge I have faced in my career. I was incredibly fortunate to be working with some exceptionally driven people that kept pushing until a successful outcome was achieved. - What motivates you?
I enjoy taking calculated risks to push and challenge myself, particularly in my choices of sport (Skiing, Climbing, Mountain biking, Kite Surfing). - What makes a great Associate Director?
Delegating responsibility but providing the support to allow the delegate to develop - What is your most memorable moment of your career?
During a defect inspection with a very disgruntled MD while I was a fit-out builder’s Project Manager, he went to storm out of the meeting in disgust and the door handle fell off in his hand! - How can clients, consultants and contractors work together better?
It’s extremely difficult to balance the competing interests of time/cost/quality. Spending the time to consider the matter from the other parties’ viewpoint and actively looking for the best outcome rather than picking a position and defending. - What are some of the trends you are seeing in the industry?
The changing requirement of the office to be a high-quality destination in the same way retail shopping centres had to reimagine themselves following internet shopping. - How do you manage stakeholders?
Open, honest and frank communication. I provide continued feedback, positive or negative so there are few surprises. I try to ensure everyone is aware of the programme, budget and expectations. - Did you think you would end up in the role you are in now?
Before I met my wife, I expected to be living in the mountains, now I couldn’t be much further from them. - What do you do to keep learning and growing in your career?
On the job training working with experienced people on difficult projects - What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry?
Promotion should be earned, not aspirational. Always try to perform in the role you aspire for, the recognition and reward then tends to follow - What advice would you give to someone wanting to get in to Project Management?
Project Managers with a technical background tend to be the best. Try to get experience in a design or construction firm first. - What is the single most important quality you need to possess to be in this industry?
With such diverse opportunities, no single quality is essential to succeed if you find the right role.
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