Pre-Cast Story:
I studied for a BEng in Civil and Structural Engineering at University having done a couple of Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) courses. I felt that I fell into engineering, being a little naïve and not having a full understanding of what it entailed but was lucky enough to find an interest! Having taken a year out after University and living in France I thought I’d give the Army a go for a few years at least. After a year at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, I was accepted into the Royal Engineers. I was posted straight from training to Germany and from there adventures followed in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Poland, USA, Canada, Belize, Nepal, Kenya to name a few. Having spent my early years as a Combat Engineer, I was given the opportunity to follow the technical route and qualified as a Professional Engineer with the Institute of Civil Engineers (MICE) and also gained an MEng. My latter years in the army prepared me well for my current Project Management role albeit in a slightly different context including a temporary holding facility (prison) an IED search training facility in Camp Bastion, Military Living Quarters, a swimming pool, and a school in Brunei Garrison to note a few. On retirement from the Army after 16 years, I had intended to take a work break but within 3 months I had decided to start a PM role working in consultancy on the landmark Chelsea Barracks scheme.
Your Career Journey at Cast:
Following my initial time as a consultant Project Manager, I moved over to the Client team on the Chelsea Barracks project. Having had a thoroughly rewarding, informative and exciting time on a super prime project, I felt the Client role was not hands on enough for me and I welcomed an opportunity to join the Cast Team. The value Cast puts on their employees made it an appealing opportunity and I joined in Oct 2017. Since being with Cast I have worked on an array of different residential projects, covering Later Living , Student Accommodation and Build to Rent. Cast have given me the opportunity to broaden my experience and introduce new specialities to my portfolio such as Building Information Management and Passivhaus. Both of which are really interesting and, in my view, a vital part of our tool kit in the future of building in the UK. Furthermore, I have had the opportunity to work on a major modular housing project which opened my eyes first-hand to the quality and efficiencies that can be achieved through MMC. I work with a great team who are all hugely capable and collaborative which makes for a healthy working environment. I joined Cast when it was a young business at its 3-year point and year on year we have gone from strength to strength as our Client base grows and our experience and numbers have expanded to match.
Current Role:
As an Associate Director I have the autonomy and trust to lead my own projects and manage a small team of incredibly capable PMs. I also get involved in internal operational tasks as well as client facing work. All Directors of the business are approachable and good listeners making it feel as I am really contributing to how the business is run.
What are your ambitions:
For me this is a second career, so whilst I am not reaching for the stars and my work life balance is the most important this for me, as my experience and responsibility grows, in time I would like to think about the next step up on the ladder but my biggest priority for the future though is to head up projects that continue to challenge me and fulfil my love of building and the industry which spans such a vast array of skillsets.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining Cast?
Cast is a forward-thinking business that is dynamic and constantly adapting to the latest trends in the residential market. We are experts in the field and that focus means that we have some really excellent individuals, none of which are there to make up the numbers and all of whom are there to bring their valued skills to the party. It is run by an approachable team of directors who are directly in touch with the team at all levels and who really want to develop the talent in the business.
