Sarah Maxwell
Job title: Project Support Manager
Joined: April 2005
Project: Metronet Rail, London
Who was your previous employer?
I come from an environmental/conservation background; I’m educated to degree level in this area. Working in my native Namibia, I was involved in a variety of community development and conservation projects.
Why did you join Balfour Beatty Management?
I’d met Balfour Beatty Management employees through a previous role and was approached by one of the directors to work on my current project for Metronet, the upgrade of the Victoria line.
What do you think differentiates Balfour Beatty Management from other employers in your marketplace?
Their diversity of business areas and their international reputation; I’d heard of the Balfour Beatty Group while working in Namibia.
What key challenges do you face in your role?
The key challenge is project delivery. You have to work with a variety of people, co-operatively, and relying on others’ involvement and contribution to successfully deliver a project.
What has been your biggest achievement or proudest moment to date at Balfour Beatty Management?
After only four months of working for BBM, I became an integral part of the Victoria Line Programme management team. I now have genuine responsibility and make a contribution to decision-making.
What do you think are the most important personal attributes for someone who wants to work at Balfour Beatty Management?
Professionalism and a customer-focus. Most important is a ‘can-do’ attitude - don’t give up until the job’s complete. Projects often require me and my team to work late; so a flexible attitude is key to a person’s success at Balfour Beatty Management.
What does the future hold for you at Balfour Beatty Management?
I hope to combine the management skills I’ve learnt at BBM with my background in conservation; and move towards working on environmental projects at BBM.
Why should someone join BBM?
Everything I’ve put in, I’ve got twice as much back. Apart from the incredible diversity of projects and flexibility of Balfour Beatty Management, they recognise and reward hard work.
