A Day in the Life - Jack Brennan
Jack is a contracts/commercial manager working in our Americas region, who is currently supporting a global rail solutions provider on projects in Boston and San Francisco.
What work do you do for Systech?
My current role is advising a global rail solutions provider on the installation of their state of the art signaling equipment on a couple of projects in the USA. One project is in Boston, a Positive Train Control system for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority [MBTA], and the other is in San Francisco, a Communication Base Train Control system for the Bay Area Rapid Transit [BART]. I am based primarily in Boston with regular trips to San Francisco for key meetings and workshops with the BART project team.
What is your typical day?
My day normally starts with a short commute to the project office outside of Boston and generally involves contract management including drafting commercial notices for which I work closely with the technical and project management teams. I also advise on change requests, claims for additional costs and time and dispute resolution; this requires me to liaise with the internal legal team and external counsel.
Outside of work, I play football or beach volleyball with friends and enjoy the social side of life in Boston.
What are the interesting aspects of your work?
The complexity of the projects and their innovative nature often results in new issues to be resolved, so there is always a fresh challenge. The diversity of the project team gives me a great opportunity to understand different cultures and work styles.
What are the challenges?
Working with various project stakeholders [including engineering, construction, planning, cost control and legal] to ensure alignment on commercial issues and gathering information and evidence for claims and the resolution of disputes.
What words of advice would you offer someone thinking of working for Systech?
If you have the desire to work on major projects and travel globally then Systech provides fantastic opportunities and support to fulfill career ambitions!
What is the culture like?
Very supportive whilst giving me the flexibility and opportunity to take key roles on a couple of interesting projects with a client that is a global leader in its field.
How has working for Systech helped you achieve your career goals?
Systech has allowed me to achieve my goal of progressing my career internationally, challenging myself by working in a different environment and gaining experience in major infrastructure projects.
What has been your greatest achievement working for Systech?
I started working on the project in Boston and developed a great relationship with our client’s team which resulted in me being invited to get involved with the project in San Francisco. I have now worked on the projects for almost four years, am getting great experience and enjoying fantastic locations!
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