Turner & Townsend partner Mike Collins has travelled all over the world with his job, but his latest project - redeveloping Dublin airport - means he splits his life between Ireland and England.
Mike is 51 and lives during the week in Malahide, Co. Dublin, but spends his weekends at Harpenden, Hertfordshire. His hobbies are sailing, golf and tennis. He also has a love of cars and motor sport.
What is your current job?
I currently wear two hats as a Partner of international construction & management consultancy Turner & Townsend, and my day job as Turner & Townsend's Programme Director for the euro 2bn redevelopment of Dublin Airport.
What does your job involve?
A simple summary is to ensure the delivery of Dublin Airport Capital Programme safely, on time and to budget.
To achieve this challenging objective we have deployed a tailored programme management methodology that enables common control and reporting formats, and ensures we are constantly and accurately informed of progress, costs, key milestones and risks.
In essence we provide the strategic management and are accountable for the successful delivery of the programme.
What does your typical working day involve?
I don't have a 'typical day'. I have never been a person who enjoys routine and this is reflected in the variety I am able to bring into my working life as Programme Director.
Living away from my family during the week ensures I have little conflicts with my work life balance, I basically work! I bash through my emails in the evening when the office is quiet and focus during the day on the challenges running a programme with 120 different contracts throws up.
What is the most interesting aspect of your job?
As the Programme Manager I am expected to understand every aspect of the design and construction of a complex scope of works and need to understand the operations of an international airport.
I find myself in a learning environment constantly stimulated as I expand my knowledge and expertise but also acutely aware that teams succeed where individuals fail.
And the most challenging?
From a personal point of view living away from home! From a work point of view a few more staff would be brilliant!
Why did you decide to pursue a career in property?
I wanted variety, a chance to travel. I have worked in the UK, Ireland, Indonesia, Malaysia, Italy, France, Spain, Netherlands and Israel and there's a great feeling of achievement when you are a part of a successful project.
How did you get to this point in your career?
I started with EC Harris in the mid 70's, qualified in '81 and went on to work in Jakarta on my first airport project. Returned to the UK in '85 and joined Gleeds in '86, spent a brief but interesting year, before joining Turner & Townsend in '87.
What is your greatest professional achievement to date?
From a delivery point of view my current appointment in Dublin. Being responsible for the delivery of a key piece of critical national infrastructure certainly provides a constant challenge and reward.
What project has given you the greatest satisfaction to date?Without a doubt the project that has given me the most satisfaction to date is the Heathrow Express.
Joining the project about six months after the tunnel collapse and having a pivotal role in rejuvenating a team which ultimately delivered the project ahead of time and beat the budget was hugely satisfying and rewarding.
What are your views on RICS?
An institution with huge potential and influence.
What's your favourite building?
The Natural History Museum, particularly in summer when the building just glows, SOM's John Hancock Centre in Chicago - being able to drink a beer on the 97th floor is a great feature in itself - but the outstanding piece of architectural engineered infrastructure is Foster's Millau Bridge over the river Tarn in the Massif Central.
Further info...
Would your career, or that of someone you know, make an interesting case study for use in RICS's careers and marketing work? If so, contact Phill Butler at pbutler@rics.org
