She’s an Engineer features the lives and stories of our inspiring women engineers who are members of WES
Associate Director-Complex Infrastructure, AtkinsRéalis
I have 10 years’ experience in the UK & Eastern Europe construction industry, with consultancy and main contracting experience, leading teams and projects through change.
I graduated from Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, obtaining a bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Civil Engineering (Railways and Roads specialisation), then a Master of Science in Transport Infrastructure Engineering. I am currently working towards getting a chartered professional status.
I started my career in Romania with project management on site, then joined Win Work and Business Development in Eastern Europe, then moved to the UK (United Kingdom) and explored estimating, cost assurance, and managing people.
For me, it is about being a versatile individual, able to always reinvert yourself.
My proudest moments so far: I am pleased that I have been able to recruit, interview, build and mentor teams during my career, which has led many professionals to promote and enhance their careers journeys by making a difference, along with delivering megaprojects lasting for generations.
I am also very proud of the scientific, thought-leadership articles and book I co-authored about road transport infrastructure: https://www.agir.ro/carte/aplicatie-la-sisteme-manageriale-pentru-lucrari-de-constructii-122232.html
I am grateful for the wider industry’s recognition of my efforts to engineer a better world for the planet and its people, and I have received the following awards:
CDC Awards (AtkinsRéalis, Turner&Townsend and HS2 framework -Dec 2023)- Winner Client feedback Satisfaction Award
RailStaff National Awards (Nov 2023)-Highly Commended in the category of ”Learning, Development & Investing in People” Award
Constructing Excellence-G4C North West Regional Awards (June 2023)-Winner in the category of ”Mentor of the Year” Award
Engineering Services Sector President Award 2022 – UK&Europe Winner out of over 36,000 number of employees across AtkinsRéalis (SNC Lavalin) global business
Constructing Excellence National Awards (Nov 2022)-One out of three female finalists ”G4C Future Leader”
North West Regional Construction Awards (July 2022)-Winner in the category of ”G4C Future Leader” Award
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
My daily job focuses on understanding the Client’s needs and the scope of work, managing stakeholders’ expectations and providing the best value for money for the project and its people.
As part of the technical aspect of my job, I am checking the drawings received from designers, often challenge the construction methodology proposed through value engineering workshops and benchmarking activities, corroborated with estimating the costs of the project and understanding the level of maturity behind its project scope, quantities and rates.
Assessing the Estimating Uncertainty, Risk and Opportunities is also important to provide an accurate estimate at completion and to support investment decisions regarding how to shape the future of infrastructure engineering projects.
Over and beyond, it is about inspiring and leading the team by fostering collaboration, enabling continuous career development and learning and ensuring a psychological and safety environment to discuss and share concerns.
My usual workday may vary depending on the specific tasks I am involved in, but usually I spend a few hours each day on meetings and workshops. I engage with colleagues from other functions (Finance, Commercial, Project Controls, Risk etc.),to examine the progress of the project and prioritize the next steps. It is important to align for the smooth completion of the project.
I would then reserve the other half of the day to produce and deliver outputs (written reports, benchmarking, estimating and cost assurance tasks).
What advice would you give to your 15 year old self
”You Got This-Make It Happen”.
Follow your heart and choose a career you would love and enjoy. Do not overthink it. Listen to others to broaden your perspective, but always take your own decisions and be proud of it.
Who or what inspired you to get into engineering?
I was inspired to pursue engineering by a combination of having strong role models (my whole family devoted their lives to civil engineering industry) and a desire to show the people who questioned my career choices and abilities that I can succeed.
What are your favourite hobbies, or interests?
I love taking care of my flowerpots (I have over 30 number of pots with orchids and succulent plants). That is the easiest way to learn about leadership and about the other’s needs to thrive in different environments. I enjoy seeing them blooming. I dream about having my own flower shop business one day.
