Name: Carl Grady
Employer: Laing O'Rourke
Project: Gorton Education Village, Manchester
Contract: NEC
‘In 40 years in the construction industry, never have I experienced a project which was managed so well in every respect.’ Eliciting that sort of response from such a key client is the true measure of Carl Grady’s achievement.
Given this was the client’s first scheme in its Building Schools for the Future programme, Carl needed to demonstrate a politically sensitive consciousness and the ability to listen attentively to a swathe of stakeholders. He did so with distinction. He impressed the stakeholders with his professionalism, attention to detail, understanding of educational philosophy and practice, and his willingness to contribute to new initiatives.
He engaged in a detailed, time-consuming process of consultation with the users. He provided a web link, time-lapse camera and viewing platform so pupils could see the school being built. His customer care was faultless.
Carl ably managed the many aspirations and personalities of all the partners. He drove the fundamental collaborative approach required by the contract. His partnering approach with the supply chain promoted consultation, development and delivery. Examples of product enhancement without additional cost included redesigning fixing points for the roof to create an aesthetically pleasing solution, and providing a pond rather than an attenuation tank to create a wildlife habitat for educational purposes.
He redefined the comfort zone of the construction team (many of them traditionally competitors) and demanded the highest levels of commitment and engagement. He managed change in a non-confrontational way. The resulting project camaraderie delivered a scheme that is now regarded as the client’s benchmark.
Value: £22.1m