Get to Know Sam

At Cairn Cross, the people make us who we are. We’ve sat down with some of our team members to learn more about them, the accountabilities in their job, and their thoughts on their careers with Cairn Cross Group.

Who are you, and what do you do?

My name is Sam, I am the Office Administration Manager. I am currently located in the Tender Department of the office. I am responsible for the tender and contract delivery administrative duties.

What does your job entail?

I’m responsible for the preparation & submission of tenders and assist with the setting up of sites once the tender has been awarded. Once a project is up and running, I lease with clients & suppliers throughout the life span of the project & working with specialist contractors.

How long have you been at Cairn Cross?

I’ve been at Cairn Cross for just over three years now. I joined just as we were coming out of the first lockdown, so things were very strange. I got made redundant in lockdown from my previous employment and started a new career in a different industry!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Being the Office Administration Manager means I see a project every step of the way. I receive the invite on day one to hand over to the client on the last day once we have completed their requirement.

I absolutely love my role; I am hands-on and not afraid to carry out any task in my job role.

I can be filing one minute in the office to being in the cold outside sourcing storage tools that are urgently required on a site.

My role is varied and interesting, as every project is different. I enjoy working in the office & get along with a great team.

I enjoy learning about construction, from how to pour concrete and the price rises impacting us all at present to building a steel superstructure and watching how this all comes together to produce the finished product.

How have you found the training programmes?

I’m involved with new starter inductions, giving them a presentation on the Network Rail process and onboarding them into the business.

I’ve written in collaboration with our Training Manager, the apprentice workbook which all new starters receive to learn and measure their development. It’s a great handy tool for them to have a clear path of progression and learning material. I wish I had one when I started all them years ago.

I’m completing the ‘ILM level 3 effective coaching’ by wecan through Leeds University. Their goal is to empower women through coaching and learning, offering support for SME’s for their leaders and managers.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in construction?

I have always been envious of women in any perceived male-orientated industry. Never so that the point is to be proved but because it shows that if you are interested in something, it doesn’t matter what gender you are if it’s something you want to do, then go for it.

What do you think makes Cairn Cross unique?

Cairn Cross is a great company to work for. They promote Work Safe Live Safe, which is self-explanatory, we work towards helping save the environment by encouraging recycling, fuel-efficient vehicles, and economical use of plant. Family-friendly environment with a great team. Great career opportunities and training is always available.

What are your goals within the company? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I have set a goal that I would like to continue my role but develop my understanding further. The department is quickly expanding, so the prospect of an assistant joining to help with the growth and day-to-day tasks is enticing.

I want to work closer with the project managers, assisting them on-site if needed, whether with paperwork requirements to assistance with plant and tool maintenance checks.

What is the best career lesson you have learnt so far?

To believe in yourself.

I was in a job for years and thought that was the best I would ever get. There was no option to progress through the company, but I didn’t know anything else.

I eventually took the plunge and decided it was time to move on and broaden my career options, I stayed in admin but looked further to see what was available. I changed from data input to maintenance and contracts work within a small team, it was then I realised I could do more, and other doors opened even more so when I joined Cairn Cross.

What favourite project to work on?

My favourite project to work on so far has been the Machynlleth Depot Upgrade Works.

I saw this project from the initial invite from the client, there was a standard PQQ for me to complete, which required information about Health & Safety, insurance and how we run a site. I explained all this in detail.

We also had to explain how we would engage and work with the Welsh Government and Authorities. I had to do some research to investigate their policies & procedures. I put together a document of how we will work together with their local labour and supply chain. We were awarded the project.

Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?

I think myself! I saw an opening and decided to go for it.

I have many friends who have great careers, and I wanted to better myself and push myself to do my best to provide a better lifestyle for myself & my family.

 Who are some of your biggest inspirations within the company?

So far, it would have to be when a project is awarded, a lot of time and hard work goes into tender submissions, so it’s very rewarding for the team when we are successful.

Lisa Ball is evidence that women can make it in the industry through sheer hard work and determination, you can achieve your goals.

 What’s your secret talent no one knows about?

I can be quite creative when required! I used to want to be a speech therapist.

Describe your ideal tea or coffee?

Always a strong coffee, but it would also have to be hot chocolate, so nice and relaxing when needed!