How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?

I actually joined the Mott MacDonald Group first in the water resources and flooding team, before joining MMB on a secondment in 2022 as a project leader. My first project at MMB was the Witches Oak Wetlands project.

Since then, I have moved over to MMB full time, with my main focus being a project leader on the Witches Oak project, which is a green recovery project for decarbonising water resources.

What has your career journey looked like?

My career path is slightly unconventional as unlike most project leaders I graduated with a geography degree, so a much more environmentally focussed academic background. After graduating I joined the main Motts group, working within the water resources and flooding team.

I started my MMB journey when I was seconded into the Witches Oak Wetlands team, as project leader. Since then, I enjoyed myself so much as a project leader at MMB I haven’t looked back and joined the team permanently continuing to develop in the project leader role.

I am also currently working towards gaining my chartership with the Chartered Institute of Water Management, after gaining non-chartered member status this year and have also found time to represent MMB at this year’s Water Industry Forum Challenge for Young Water Professionals - and was part of the winning team!

What’s the best thing about the project leader role?

There is plenty to take from this role but if I had to pick out the best thing it would be overcoming the challenges of the design and construction process, as coming from a consultancy background, this fresh perspective offers new solutions to new challenges.

How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

I really enjoy yoga and I’m currently undertaking my 200-hour yoga teaching training program. I also spend a big chunk of my time renovating my 1950’s house and making it a home.

And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?

1. Be open to new opportunities – say yes to as many things as you can in your early career. It will open many different doors you didn’t realise were there.
2. Build up your network – never be afraid to reach out to people, ask if they can talk something through or explain a burning question in more detail. Everyone at MMB is more than happy to reach out and help and appreciate your eagerness to learn.
3. Communication is key – have regular check-ins with your team and have an awareness of what everyone is up to, what support they might need and how they feed into the bigger picture.

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?

I started at MMB as a graduate mechanical engineer in 2021, where I was responsible for completing calculations, specifications, engineering drawings and other documentation, across a range of projects. Around six months into my role I assumed responsibility of leading a smaller-scale project at a sewage treatment works.

By progressing within MMB I was given greater responsibility and the opportunity to become a project leader.

What has your career journey looked like?

Joining MMB as a graduate mechanical engineer was my first job after graduating university, where I was given responsibility to work across several different projects. After a few successful months at MMB I was given more responsibility which led to me leading a substantial water quality scheme and enrolment into the MMB project leader academy, where I could further develop my skillset.

After becoming a project leader my role responsibilities have continued to grow; I am engaging with multiple levels of the business from design focused to tasks to client facing responsibilities.

I am also on track to become professionally accredited with the IMechE, with the support of MMB.

What’s the best thing about the project leader role?

The best part of the project leader role is the opportunity to push your own ideas and designs on a project and see them come to fruition, as at MMB they aren’t afraid to give you responsibility from the start.

And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?

1. Be open minded, approachable and logical – as a project leader you need to act as a facilitator for people of different disciplines, experience and backgrounds to collaborate and find the best solutions
2. Stay organised and push to meet achievable targets – sticking to programme is the easiest way to ensure projects progress.
3. Make use of the wider team – MMB has a wealth of experience in all facets of project delivery, make sure to use your wider team for expert insights and support

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?

The first role I had at MMB was a site engineer, which I did for nearly three years before progressing to a project leader role. I’ve now been a project leader since 2021.

In my current role, I am responsible for leading an important project at Horsley Water Treatment Works, with most of my time being currently spent on site.

What has your career journey looked like?

My career journey started at university, where I achieved a degree in civil engineering. From there I joined MMB as a site engineer, working on site for around 3 years with my first project being a new clean water treatment project in Northumberland.

From there I moved into the project leader role, where I have been since. Alongside, the role I am also working towards a chartership with the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), with the support of MMB.

What’s the best thing about the project leader role?

The thing that really stands out for me is the diverse nature of the role. The role gives you a unique opportunity to gain exposure to both design and construction aspect of a project.

I also enjoy the satisfaction of seeing a project right through to the end, from design to construction and being an integral part to the entire journey.

How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

Outside of work I spend as much time outdoors as possible, whether its hiking, running, cycling or climbing. I also find time to play the clarinet as part of a concert band.

And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?

1. Good organisation is critical – as you must be able to deliver projects on time and in budget.
2. Have enthusiasm for both design and construction work – the nature of role means you are often required to spend 50% of your time with the design team and 50% with the construction team, so bring enthusiasm and positivity to both sides of the role.
3. Be willing to take on new challenges and go outside your comfort zone – This role is all about relishing new challenges in both design and construction, so don’t be afraid to take them on and push yourself forward.

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?

I studied Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College and obtained a MEng degree. Before joining MMB, I worked in the highways and the water sectors as a civil engineer.

I joined MMB as a project leader in 2021 and this is where I have been since.

What has your career journey looked like?

Since joining MMB as a project leader, I have been responsible for leading wastewater infrastructure and non-infrastructure, while supporting the project engineers.

I am also working towards the chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), with my professional review coming up very soon.

What’s the best thing about the project leader role?

There are many things which I enjoy about the project leader role but one highlight is seeing myself and my team grow through the development of projects, especially the graduates and more junior members of the team that I am supporting.

From a more project focused view, I also think that seeing a project grow from the design phase to complete construction is very fulfilling, as it makes all the hard work you put in tangible.

How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

When I’m not at work I love reading, cooking, and going to gym. I also enjoy travelling when I get the chance.

And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?

1. Communication – have the confidence to communicate with colleagues, clients, stakeholders or third parties from technical or non-technical backgrounds.
2. Leadership – be able to see the bigger picture of the project, programme or design and be able to lead your team through all decisions, no matter how big or small.
3. Technical excellence – provide technical leadership and support to your team, while understanding their individual limits, so you can provide support when they need it most.

What has your career journey in MMB looked like?

After graduating with a degree in civil engineering, I initially worked for a house builder for a year before joining MMB to work on as a project leader and civil engineer on variety of different reservoirs in Yorkshire and Wales, which took me to some beautiful parts of the UK.

After a brief stint away from MMB during the pandemic, I moved back to join our team in the North East, working on a number of water treatment works schemes. I’ve since re-joined the team in Yorkshire where I’m currently working on important projects that will reduce sewage spills to rivers.

What does a typical day as a project leader look like?

It’s safe to say no two days are ever the same! The great thing about MMB is that as a project leader you’re able to mix your days up doing initial designs in the office, going out to site and meeting clients/key stakeholders. You get to know everyone within the project pretty well.

The office environment is great as everyone is very chatty and happy to help and advise; on site you have a good opportunity to learn about the practicalities of what you’re designing and how best to resolve issues.

Are you working towards any professional qualifications?

Whilst working in MMB I’ve achieved Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with the ICE, winning the Tony Chapman Medal along the way. My next aim is to achieve Chartership with the ICE.

How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

Outside of work I like to keep active. I love the outdoors and spend a lot of time paddle-boarding, cycling and hiking.

There’s also a great social side in MMB, with lots of opportunities to meet up after work where everyone is welcome. From our Leeds office we have a regular group of colleagues who climb at the local bouldering wall a few times a week.

And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?

1. Willing to learn
2. Organised
3. Good communication skills

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?

I graduated in 2020 with a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Newcastle University. As part of my degree, I completed a year-long industrial placement at Northumbrian Water where I worked as part of the operations team at Howdon Sewage Treatment Works.

I found it fascinating working on a live wastewater treatment plant and learning about the different treatment processes. I primarily worked on the design and optimisation of anaerobic digesters, which convert waste into biogas.

After graduating, I decided to continue my career in the water industry so joined MMB!

What has your career journey looked like?

I joined MMB as a process engineer and worked on different projects throughout the Severn Trent region. I then took on the project leader role for a £6 million wastewater project in Shropshire, where we are installing some innovative technology.

It’s a great, challenging role that involves:

• Technical design work: I am the process engineer for my project.
• Working closely with other engineering disciplines, as well as the site and commercial teams.
• Planning the design phase of the project.
• Identifying and managing risks and opportunities.
• Sizing and procuring equipment from suppliers.

As well as project leading, I’m also a STEM ambassador. This gives me chance to go into schools to help young people understand more about the world of engineering.

What’s the best thing about being a project leader in MMB?

The best thing about being a project leader in MMB is that you can design something and actually see it built. It’s great to see that entire process.

How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

When I’m not in work I enjoy taking part in musical theatre productions with a local amateur dramatics society.

And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?

1. Collaborate and share ideas – teamwork is a big part of this role.
2. Enjoy learning – you will be working within a multidiscipline team so be interested in learning about things unrelated to your discipline.
3. Stay organised – you will be managing a lot of different aspects of the project.

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?

I started with MMB on an industrial placement as an assistant project leader whilst studying civil engineering at university. I came back on a summer placement before re-joining full-time after graduating with a Master’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

What has your career journey looked like?

Since joining MMB, I’ve been working as a civil engineering project leader on a £12m sludge treatment project. I’ve managed nine design team colleagues, liaised with our ten subcontractors and delivered structural concrete base designs, drainage designs and surface water assessments.

Alongside this I’m also the Early Career Professional (ECP) lead for sustainability, which supports the delivery of MMB’s approach to carbon reduction and environmental improvement.

What’s the best thing about the project leader role?

No two days are ever the same. I get really bored if I’m just doing the same thing! I can be head down working on a design one day, and the next speaking to people and helping others with what they’re doing. The next day I might be on site and the next I might be planning. That’s what keeps it interesting.

How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

I really enjoy going out to eat good food with my friends and seeing live music. Yoga has also been my obsession this year and helped me feel strong and keep a steady mind.

And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?

Adaptive communicator - you speak to so many different people in the PL role so being able to adapt your communication style for each audience is invaluable.

Confidence, in yourself, and in being able to say, “I don’t know but I’ll be able to find someone that does!” - the PL is the point of contact for the project, but you aren’t expected to know everything in detail. It is more important to have a general grasp on all disciplines so you can point people in the right direction.

Organisation and planning are key - fail to plan, plan to fail! Staying organised means you can concentrate on the tasks at hand and a clear plan will fill your team with confidence that there is a route to success.

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?

I joined MMB as a graduate civil engineer straight from university so my role at MMB is my first and only job I have held in the industry.

What has your career journey looked like?

After starting with MMB as a graduate civil engineer I was promoted to civil engineer fourteen months later before then taking on the role of project leader earlier this year. Since then, I’ve been working full-time as a project leader on a recovery scheme at Horsley Water Treatment Works in the North East.

As a project leader – a technical management role – I’m looking after the project from a design perspective from concept all the way through to commissioning and handover.

What attracted you to MMB?

The uniqueness of the design and build environment really attracted me to MMB. My personality probably isn't suited to sitting behind a desk all day every day, I'm definitely more suited to the design and build world where you design and then see everything come to life. That's the thing that attracted me.

How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

Outside of work I like to go for long walks with my girlfriend and the dog, as well as playing football and golf most weekends.

And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?

1. Organisational skills
2. Enthusiasm
3. Resilience