What's your job about?
I provide advice to my clients across a range of fields that vary from cost estimating to procurement, including contract management and value engineering. I specialise in the infrastructure sector, particularly in light rail, heavy rail and general civil works.
What's your background?
I grew up in Spain where I did study a BSc in Business Management and Tourism. I graduated in 2009, in the middle of the Global Financial Recession which particularly affected Spain. Unemployment was above 50% for graduates, therefore I had no other alternative than to emigrate.
I spent approximately four years travelling around Europe working in many diverse jobs, mostly related to the hospitality sector. This was a great learning experience and I feel during that period I developed many skills that have become essential later in my career.
In 2013 I ended up in the United Kingdom where, after a short sprint in Property Management, I decided to study a post graduate in Quantity Surveying. After I completed my first year, I applied for a graduate position at Turner & Townsend UK and they not only agreed to take me on-board they also sponsored my studies!
After a couple of years in the United Kingdom, I felt like I needed a change of scenery (and more sun!) and as part of our one global business, the opportunity to transfer to Australia was presented.
Transferring has been one of the best decisions I ever made; Sydney is an amazing place – a cosmopolitan city with access to a lot of beaches! Professionally it has been great too; I have recently been promoted to Senior Cost Manager where I manage a small team and I am part of the Chairman’s Group – a shadow board working with our Global Senior Executive Board.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
While some technical knowledge is required, I always encourage non-cognate graduates to be part of Turner & Townsend. The role of Cost Managers is rapidly evolving and we are often required to provide advice in a vast range of sectors.
Lately we see a lot of growth in the fields of technology and data. If you are particularly interested in these career pathways, we are looking for you!
What's the coolest thing about your job?
I have witnessed how the projects we work on, once finished, have a real impact on people’s lives. It might be a new road, an upgrade to a train station or a new light rail system – being part of that transformative journey is the coolest thing about my job.
What are the limitations of your job?
You need to be adaptable to change. I do not work on the same place every day and often do not know where I am going to be next Monday. Some people might find this exciting however others may find it challenging. I personally enjoy the variety of my work!
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