This month, we’re talking to Senior Project Manager, Clair Townsend, as part of our content series; Powerhouse Perspectives. This series aims to shine a light on the incredible range of expertise that we have across all divisions at Gratte Brothers. This month, we headed to site to meet Clair. Read on to find out more…
Meet Clair
Meet Clair Townsend, a Senior Project Manager at Gratte Brothers Building Services & Engineering. With a career spanning over two decades in construction, Clair’s leadership, extensive experience, and forward-thinking approach make her an essential part of Gratte Brothers’ continued success. In her role, Clair oversees projects of varying scales, guiding her team to ensure timely and effective delivery. She bridges communication between clients and senior management while coordinating intricate engineering tasks and sub-contractor management. Her collaboration with the in-house commissioning team ensures seamless project testing and commissioning phases.
Gratte Brothers: A Growing Company with Expanding Capabilities
Gratte Brothers Building Services & Engineering (also known as GBL) has been making significant strides as a top-tier mechanical and electrical installation and commissioning contractor. We are now taking on an increasing number of projects as principal contractor/general contractor, capable of delivering complete projects directly to end users. Clair’s background, which brings valuable experience from her time at Sir Robert McAlpine, aligns perfectly with this expansion. Her insights on sub-contractor management and principal contracting contribute to Gratte Brothers’ competitive edge in the industry.
Clair’s Professional Background
Clair has been a part of the Gratte Brothers family for eight years. Before taking on her current role as a Senior Project Manager, she served as a Project Manager, building on her 15-year tenure at Sir Robert McAlpine where she started at the age of 18. Her early experience with a major contractor instilled a comprehensive understanding of sub-contractor management and project oversight. This foundation proved invaluable when she joined Gratte Brothers, offering a unique perspective shaped by her main contractor experience. As Gratte Brothers transitions into taking on principal contractor projects, Clair’s approach and expertise are particularly advantageous.
Award-Winning Projects and Recognition
A notable highlight of Clair’s career is her involvement in the award-winning 21 Moorfields project in Central London. This complex engineering feat earned Gratte Brothers the prestigious Tall Buildings Award, a testament to the company’s innovative work and Clair’s adept project management. The project’s challenges underscored the critical role of cohesive teamwork and strategic oversight, qualities Clair embodies in every project she leads.
Pioneering Women in Construction
As the first female Project Manager at Gratte Brothers, Clair’s career has also paved the way for more inclusive practices within the company. During the 21 Moorfields project, she actively engaged with the Women in Construction initiative, leading to the successful onboarding of women who now thrive within various departments of Gratte Brothers. Clair’s dedication to fostering diversity and empowering women in the industry reflects our company’s commitment to an inclusive work culture.
Effective Sub-Contractor Management Strategies
Sub-contractor management is a critical aspect of Clair’s responsibilities. Gratte Brothers employs a comprehensive KPI process to monitor sub-contractor performance, ensuring adherence to quality and timelines. Clair emphasises the importance of frequent progress meetings, site walks, and daily activity briefings to keep all parties informed of any changes or updates. This structured approach supports clear communication and aligns the efforts of sub-contractors with project goals.
We’re sure you’ll agree that Clair Townsend’s journey at Gratte Brothers showcases not only her skill as a Senior Project Manager but also her pioneering role in shaping the company’s culture. Her commitment to quality, efficient sub-contractor management, and fostering a supportive environment for women in construction align seamlessly with Gratte Brothers’ mission of innovation and excellence.
