Associate Director, Transportation
The majority of our work has been done for the Highways Agency. However, over the last few years we have also been working for the Welsh Assembly Government. Many of our projects are big capital spend projects."
- Has been at URS since 1987
- Works in Bedford, United Kingdom
- Has worked on bids for nuclear and highway frameworks
- Wanted to be an engineer when he grew up
What do you do at URS?
I assist with the management of the department, resource management and project management of schemes. I am also involved with the development of graduates and junior technicians.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Over the past couple of years, I have become involved in bidding for projects and commissions, work that I find rewarding.
What attracted you to your area of specialty?
URS provided me an opportunity which I enjoyed as a highway graduate engineer. Since then, I have gained broad experience in the transportation sector, and that has provided a sound foundation for project management, work on bidding proposals and business development.
Where did you study?
I graduated from the Polytechnic of Wales in Pontypridd with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. I am also a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), a Member of the Institution of Highways and Transportation (IHT) and the Institute of Asphalt Technology.
URS encourages continual professional development. I recently completed on-line training using the URS learning management system and am now a URS Certificated Project Manager.
What is your proudest achievement at URS?
Many of our projects require years of planning and it is very satisfying when you see projects constructed. In the last couple of years I have particularly enjoyed working on the Amazon Access infrastructure development in Swansea. I grew up in that area, and this is the first project that was located in Wales, so I took particular satisfaction from that.
Added to that, the actual job went extremely well and has helped forge a strong relationship with Welsh Assembly Government, which is a huge bonus.
What is your favorite thing about working at URS?
I really enjoy the close-knit group we have in the office. The people all seem to be of a similar nature–pragmatic and approachable. The office has a good work ethic and whilst we work hard we generally have a good laugh as well.
We have a terrific work environment. When we tempt people away from the lights of London, they have a really great time working here. In particular, we have found that the Australian and South African staff enjoys our office atmosphere and the town of Bedford. I am still in touch with the ones who have gone back home.