Ashley Rogan has just moved to Mace after six years at Balfour Beatty. He is working on a retail project and was conferred with his MCIOB status at the CIOB graduation ceremony in June.
You’re new to Mace: what prompted the job move?
I had spent almost six years at Balfour Beatty as a construction manager, starting as an undergraduate on its day release scheme and progressing to project managing sections of works in my final two years.
This gave me a second-to-none education, working with some of the best professionals in the industry. I felt that the time was right to move on in terms of career progression, start a new challenge.
What are you working on? Does your new role demand any new skills?
Mace is currently expanding Cheshire Oaks Retail Designer Outlet in Ellesmere Port, a £25m job that I arrived on around 12 weeks into the contract.
The scheme is reported as creating 25,000 sq ft (2,300 sq m) of new retail space for the centre, including new retail units, a visitor centre, expanded car parking facilities and a number of other amenities – including a play area and new public realm. A new footbridge will also improve access for local residents. On paper this sounds straightforward.
“Excellent communication skills are essential to successfully delivering this project, also quickly picking up a good understanding of the design and contractual arrangements.”
Ashley Rogan
Mace’s brief is to ensure that the outlet remains operational at all times with zero impact to the customer’s experience – while working in all four corners of the outlet, managing heavy plant and machinery, working from height, demolition and a total of 52 sectional completions each bearing their own liquidated ascertained damages.
I am project-managing the change element of the scheme, liaising with the client’s representatives from inception to tenant fit out – working with a novated design team, supply chain and Mace QSs and construction managers to deliver the client’s expectations.
The role at Mace is similar to one that I have undertaken with my previous employer; it needs an understanding that the retail industry is fast paced and one that can prompt change the second a tenant signs a lease agreement.
Excellent communication skills are essential to successfully delivering this project, also quickly picking up a good understanding of the design and contractual arrangements.
You just graduated as MCIOB. Has that been crucial to this job/your career?
The graduation ceremony on 8 June was a proud moment – and the title of MCIOB is one that I believe gives you instant respect from fellow professionals, colleagues, supply chain and clients.
Starting my MCIOB journey has been a great motivator from a personal level.
