Welcome to our In Focus series, where we shine a light on our Project Management team. This week we learn a little more about Chris Sutherland, Director in Project Management.
- What is your current role and main responsibilities?
Director of Victorian Project Management operations - How did you get into this industry?
I started off as an Engineers Technician setting out motorways in the UK, then became a Charter Quantity Surveyor and a Certified Project Manager in the UK - Tell us a little bit about your career
I’ve been in Australia nearly 12 years. Before this I worked in the US (Alabama and Chicago for 10 years), and before that I was based in Amsterdam working all over Europe converting 6000 Nissan Dealerships across Europe, and I originated from the UK Construction industry - What has been your hardest career decision?
Committing to moving around the world as opportunities have become apparent. Learning to deal with significant culture differences along with understanding the different ways of working in different countries - What do you love most about your job?
Seeing projects through from inception to completion with all the challenges and opportunities on the way to achieve the right outcomes - What’s been your biggest challenge on a project and how did you overcome it?
Converting 400 banks on a reimaging programme in one weekend in New York State in winter whilst it was snowing - What motivates you?
Helping client and staff alike deliver projects along with developing staff to their potential - What makes a great Project Director/Director?
Being a creditable conductor of the orchestra. Helping clients write the score then amassing and directing the right musicians (consultants, builders, landlords) to deliver the perfect performance - What is your most memorable moment of your career?
Walking into an office in Nissan Europe (Amsterdam) and starting with 2 chairs, a table and a staff member, then developing and implementing a programme of converting 6000 Nissan Dealerships across 29 different countries from scratch - What are some of the trends you are seeing in the industry?
The viability of remote working and collaboration, importance of end user experience and providing solutions that add value to a project - How do you manage stakeholders?
With respect, care and understanding of their business to allow the right and appropriate project outcomes to be achieved - Did you think you would end up in the role you are in now?
From starting on a motorway in the UK to working across Europe then USA and now in Australia … in short no! - What do you do to keep learning and growing in your career?
Conversations with industry peers, keeping up to date with current trends and reviewing future thinkers thinking - What do you do in your leisure time to de-stress?
Car racing, target rifle shooting, camping, 4WD and farm life - What is the single most important quality you need to possess to be in this industry?
Tenacity
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