Can you describe your new role as Quality and Innovation Manager?
What are the key responsibilities you now oversee?
In my role as Quality and Innovation Manager, I am responsible for establishing, updating, and implementing Binah’s quality framework. I work closely with the head of design to ensure compliance and buildability, creating key hold points during design and construction, and conducting quality workshops to align teams. I also oversee site inspections, audits, and product reviews, while focusing on identifying and mitigating risks.
A crucial part of my role is building strong relationships with design managers, consultants, clients and project teams. Quality relationships foster collaboration and open communication, allowing us to proactively address challenges and maintain high standards. This balance of technical quality and strong team dynamics ensures successful project outcomes.
With 27 years in the construction industry, what significant changes have you witnessed and how have they impacted your approach to managing projects?
Over the past 27 years, I’ve witnessed significant changes in the construction industry, particularly in technology and communication. The use of digital tools, such as construction software and online portals for managing designs, has streamlined many processes. However, I still value traditional methods like working with physical drawings, as they offer a tangible way to communicate and collaborate. Additionally, the approach to leadership and management has evolved from being directive and aggressive to being empowering and collaborative. There’s much more focus on mentoring teams, encouraging open communication, and promoting a win/win mindset. These changes have greatly influenced my approach to managing projects, as I now prioritise both the technical and human aspects of construction.
How do you ensure that Binah’s quality framework remains effective and relevant as the industry evolves?
Keeping the quality framework relevant and effective in a fast-evolving industry requires continuous learning and engagement with key industry bodies. I am actively involved with the Australian Institute of Building and the Australian Institute of Waterproofing, which helps me stay updated on industry trends and emerging challenges. Additionally, I regularly complete online modules provided by the Department of Fair Trading, and I engage with building consultants and private certifiers to exchange insights and learn from their experiences. Staying connected with industry experts, attending relevant workshops, and maintaining open communication within our teams ensures that Binah’s quality framework is consistently aligned with the latest industry practices.
Can you walk us through the process of establishing key hold points during the design and construction phases? How do these workshops contribute to the overall build quality?
Establishing key hold points is crucial for ensuring quality during design and construction. We use Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and checklists at critical stages, such as excavation or structural work, to confirm everything is built to standard. Workshops before and during construction reinforce these checks, align teams on expectations, and foster accountability. I conduct monthly audits to monitor compliance, address areas for improvement, and keep the project on track. These workshops promote continuous improvement, leading to better overall build quality.
How has your participation in the Dynamic Triangle leadership program shaped your approach to mentoring and leading teams?
The Dynamic Triangle leadership program has had a profound impact on my approach to leadership. It has taught me the importance of active listening and creating space for others to share their ideas and challenges. Through the program, I’ve learned to be more flexible in my approach, recognising that different team members have their own methods of achieving success, and that’s okay. It’s about understanding their perspectives and finding ways to support them. Overall, the Dynamic Triangle has made me a more thoughtful and adaptive leader, focused on mentoring and empowering my team to achieve their best.
How has your participation in the Dynamic Triangle leadership program shaped your approach to mentoring and leading teams?
The Dynamic Triangle leadership program has had a profound impact on my approach to leadership. It has taught me the importance of active listening and creating space for others to share their ideas and challenges. Through the program, I’ve learned to be more flexible in my approach, recognising that different team members have their own methods of achieving success, and that’s okay. It’s about understanding their perspectives and finding ways to support them. Overall, the Dynamic Triangle has made me a more thoughtful and adaptive leader, focused on mentoring and empowering my team to achieve their best.
You’ve been recognised with state and national awards in residential construction. Could you highlight some of the key factors that contributed to these achievements?
Winning an award in residential construction has been one of the highlights of my career, and I believe the key factors behind these achievements have been my commitment to quality, attention to detail, and ability to lead teams effectively. My last project, IQ Burwood, was particularly challenging, but it allowed me to apply everything I had learned over 25 years in the industry. From managing a deep excavation and working in a highly regulated environment during COVID-19, to overseeing a young team and integrating new legislation, every aspect of that project tested my skills. The success of IQ Burwood, and the recognition it received, came down to creating a strong team dynamic, maintaining high standards throughout, and adapting to the challenges as they arose.
Being part of Binah’s cadetship program, how do you view the development of young professionals in the industry and what advice do you offer them?
I am deeply invested in the development of young professionals, and being part of Binah’s cadetship program has been a rewarding experience. I believe it’s essential to provide cadets with hands-on experience while also giving them the freedom to learn and grow at their own pace. My advice to young professionals is to stay curious, be open to learning from others, and always focus on quality in everything they do. I also encourage them to build strong relationships with their colleagues and mentors, as those connections will serve them throughout their careers. It’s important to remember that construction is a collaborative industry, and the most successful professionals are those who work well with others.
What does achieving win/win outcomes mean to you in the context of managing teams and team dynamics?
Achieving win/win outcomes is all about creating an environment where everyone benefits from the process and the result. In the context of managing teams and team dynamics, it means that I focus on aligning the goals of the business, the project, and the individual team members. I believe that when each person feels valued and their contributions are recognised, they are more likely to engage deeply with the project. A win/win outcome ensures that the project is delivered to a high standard while also supporting the personal and professional growth of each team member.
You've highlighted skills like patience, communication, and empowering people; how have these strengths helped you overcome challenges in both your previous roles and your current one?
Throughout my career in construction, I’ve consistently relied on my strengths in patience, communication, and empowerment to navigate complex challenges. Patience has been invaluable in maintaining calm during stressful situations, allowing me to make informed decisions and avoid impulsive reactions. Effective communication is essential for ensuring everyone on the team is aligned and understands their roles and responsibilities. By building a culture of empowerment, I’ve encouraged team members to take ownership of their work, leading to increased motivation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. These combined skills have enabled me to successfully lead teams through challenging projects and deliver high-quality results.
