This month, we shine the spotlight on our contracts manager, Barry Deegan. With 25 years’ experience of the construction industry, Barry provides an insight into his role, including his training success and career highlight.
What does a typical day involve as a contracts manager at Diamond Build Group?
I work across several projects, so a typical day will see me travel between each one to make sure I’m up to speed on how they’re progressing. I liaise with the site teams to offer any support, guidance or help where needed. Our projects are varied and challenging, so there are often curveballs to manage, but this is what makes the job so interesting and means no two days are the same.
What skills do you need to do your job – and what qualifications have you gained along the way?
Being a strong team player is an essential skill as a contracts manager. It’s my job to make sure every team member has the support they need and can carry out their role as effectively as possible.
Good organisational skills are also important. It’s not unusual to have to compile both tender and construction programmes while also managing clients as well as key project stakeholders. The ability to communicate effectively goes hand in hand with juggling these tasks. As a contracts manager, you have to regularly update the project team and sometimes, suggest alternative solutions which will satisfy the client’s needs while ensuring the project’s targets are met.
As with all construction roles, ongoing training and development is key. Diamond Build has supported me in becoming a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). This has significantly bolstered my skills and knowledge, and provides further assurance to our clients that projects will be delivered to the highest standard.
What has been your career highlight at Diamond Build Group?
I’m proud to have been part of the team which secured one of our largest and most recent projects. This will see us complete the final phase of refurbishment works at the Anglo-Portuguese School of London (APSoL). Now on site, we’re constructing 16 new classrooms across four storeys, including play decks on each floor. The primary school will also benefit from new toilets, a modern kitchen, and remodelled reception area.
What do you like most about your role?
The best part of my job is getting to work with a great team, who are all committed to making sure our projects are delivered safely and to the highest quality standards.