Project Director

Brian Pettigrew is a Project Director for Robertson Partnership Homes. 

I have a very varied role but it predominately covers getting involved in projects very early on in the construction process. This ranges from working closely with design teams and the client to make sure that they get a fantastic project at the end of the day.

What do you like about your job?

I meet a lot of very knowledgeable people through work and it’s very interesting learning about different disciplines. I’m a great believer in the saying ‘every day is a school day’.

What’s your working day like?

My working day would start either in the office or alternatively I could be on one of our sites, or even travelling on the train to meetings. It’s fair to say not one day is ever the same, it’s a highly varied role and I thoroughly enjoy it. We have to be very flexible in order to satisfy our clients’ demand, sometimes we need to re-arrange our day in order to go and meet them at short notice if required.

What skills do you need in your job?

For me, excellent communication and problem solving skills are essential in this role. You also have to be able to think on your feet at times. People management also plays a major part of my day-to-day duties, so I need to possess really good leadership skills.

What was your background before starting this role?

I left school and entered into an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery, which I completed over a four-year period. I then worked as a time-served joiner before getting the opportunity of progressing to site manager. Over the period of then till now, I obtained further qualifications that have allowed me to progress my career. I have fulfilled the positions of project manager, senior project manager, contracts manager, construction manager, and then onto my current role.

What are you most proud of in your career?

I am really proud of what I have achieved in my career, especially coming from a trade background; I feel this gave me an excellent grounding into the industry. I’m also extremely proud of some of the projects I’ve managed and delivered, as some of these have been award-winning schemes.

Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

I hope to establish myself in my current role but ultimately progress towards the role of a business leader within the company.

Do you have any advice for someone thinking about a career in construction?

I’m a great believer in the trade qualification route within the industry; whether it’s as a bricklayer, joiner, electrician or plumber, this gives you an excellent all-round experience for the future. Also, try to further your education within the industry whenever you can. Employers now are very keen to promote individuals from within their organisation rather than recruiting externally, so the potential to progress is massive. It’s a great industry to work in and you will meet some excellent people.