With over 35 years’ experience in the civil engineering industry, I am the Operations Director for Haywood & Jackson, manufacturers and installers of bespoke fabrication and GRP products. I have always worked in the civils industry, even back to when I was an apprentice bricklayer for the former British Rail. For 20 years following my apprenticeship, I remained in the rail sector holding senior project management positions with Serco and Network Rail, gaining significant experience and expertise in project coordination, site management, procurement and health and safety. As Haywood & Jackson’s Operations Director, I am responsible for overseeing site operations on a day-to-day basis to ensure that work is carried out safely, on time and within budget, and to the right quality standard. I am also involved in all aspects of tender applications for public and private sector projects.Before work starts, I get things ready by mobilising staff, preparing the site, arranging PPE, and carefully planning the work to be done. Whilst work is taking place, I will monitor progress, oversee the delivery of materials from our fabrication workshop, carry out safety checks, ensure drawing files are updated, and swiftly resolve any issues as they arise. On completion of the project, it is my responsibility to ensure that all work complies with health and safety legislation as well as other legal requirements, and is completed to the clients’ satisfaction.Communication is key when it comes to managing site operations which is why I make it my priority to maintain regular contact with the site team, project stakeholders, and regular dialogue with the client. This is important to our clients and is why Haywood & Jackson has been successful in building long-term relationships with companies in the rail, utilities and civil engineering sectors such as United Utilities, Network Rail, Tata and British Salt.