Day in the life - Jamie Hemphrey

Jamie is a Senior Contracts Consultant based out of Sydney. He joined Systech in 2017 and has worked on a number of major global projects including the Sydney Light Rail, Southern Program Alliance and CityLink. 

Why did you join Systech?

Opportunities! Systech worked on all my projects when I was in London. They often managed the change control process and it was something I wanted to be part of. Then on top of that, the opportunity to do it in Australia was one that I couldn’t resist.

What was the attraction of working in Australia?

Lifestyle. Australian cities often score highly in ratings of the most liveable places, and it did not disappoint. Having lived in Coogee for the past 4 years it has provided me with idyllic beaches to enjoy morning, evening and weekends while being a short commute to the City for work, or the airport for any excursions. Whether it be a trip to vineyards or a hop over to the snow in New Zealand.

Australia is all about sport and the outdoor lifestyle, they love it. Since being here I have continued playing all my usual sports, cricket, hockey and football (in the various Systech 5-a-side teams), while being able to explore and compete in many more, including triathlons and ocean swims.

What work do you do for Systech?

With a commercial background, I have had the opportunity to work on claims, cost planning and site based commercial roles across a variety of sectors, including mining, rail, highways and renewables.

I have worked in both Melbourne and Sydney and am currently the commercial manager on a large windfarm being built in rural NSW.

What training and support has Systech given you?

Systech has built a good relationship with the Australian arm of the RICS. Together they have given great CPD support and guidance as well as access to all the knowledge within Systech.

What is your typical day?

While working in the city, it would involve an early morning session at the local CrossFit (yes, I have been consumed by CrossFit), or a dip in the ocean prior to getting into work and attacking any challenges that may lay ahead.

Currently, while I am working in rural NSW, I am staying in a Yass, Merino wool country. Days are structured a bit differently being surrounded by frosty fields and lambs darting about. I manage my day to day commercial tasks then head out for a drive around site. I don’t think I will be on many sites with better views than this one. The day then gets rounded off with a trip to the gym or one of the great local pubs, then back to the Coogee beach life at the weekend.

What words of advice would you offer someone thinking of working for Systech?

Why wouldn’t you? The opportunity to work around the world and across multiple disciplines offers not only great career prospects, but invaluable life experience.

How has working for Systech helped you achieve your career goals?

The diversity of projects I have worked on with Systech has given me a large foundation to build from (mind the pun). There is no chance of being pigeonholed into particular roles or sectors within the business, unless that is your desire. This is evident in my current wind farm role, an opportunity that would never have previously been on my radar.

What has been your greatest achievement working for Systech?

While sat in the pub last night with the project manager, he said to me, “I have never had a site based QS and I had to be convinced to have one, but I will never do another job without one”.