A Day in the Life - Paddy Ruane
Paddy Ruane is an Associate Director who has relocated with us to his home country of Ireland, having previously worked for us in Australia and Canada. Paddy gained his RICS Chartership whilst with us and has multi-sector experience including rail and highways.
Why did you join Systech?
Having worked within the construction industry for many years, Systech was an attractive prospect for me and my career at that time. I take great pride in my work, and Systech is one of the few companies that could deliver on providing me with large scale, diverse projects on which I could really utilise my skills and knowledge, as well as gaining invaluable experience to broaden my expertise.
Travel was another appealing opportunity that Systech offered. Being a global consultancy, I initially started working in Sydney, but knew my long-term goal was return to Ireland. I have now been able to work for clients and contractors in Europe and Australia, and more recently in Canada too.
Following my first year with Systech, I was very pleased to become an Associate Director. With this role came the opportunity for business development, networking and becoming involved with the company business strategy and growth.
What was the attraction of working in Australia?
My wife and I made the decision to try Australia back in 2013. We have always been keen travellers and many aspects of Australia attracted us. Australia has in recent years (and currently) enjoyed a thriving economy, in both construction and health sectors. Additionally, the weather, lifestyle and work life balance were contributing factors for our decision.
Australia was a fantastic starting point on my journey with Systech and having made the decision to relocate to Ireland, I have been able to seamlessly transfer.
Have you study gained any other qualifications?
Systech has been very supportive and encouraging towards my career development, and in 2022 I gained my MRICS. Additionally, with the flexible nature of work, I was able to complete a Postgraduate in Mechanical and Electrical Quantity Surveying with Sligo IT on an online remote basis.
What work do you do for Systech?
I am an Associate Director, and I am currently working client side on a North American mega infrastructure project. My roles have been varied, allowing me to work and represent both contractors and clients on many different projects.
The projects on which I have been involved include Sydney Football Stadium, North East Link Project (Melbourne), Broadway Subway Project (Vancouver), Metrolinx (Toronto) as well as appointments in the commercial and mining sectors.
This variety allows for extensive learning rather than stagnating in the same role for an extended period.
What is your typical day?
I am currently working remotely from Ireland on a LRT project in Canada which has been let on an alliance basis. My day sits within both UK and Canadian working hours, meaning I can have meetings in the evening with my Canadian colleagues, but have the time to prepare earlier in the day.
I also follow up on business development activities within our UK and Ireland target markets.
Any advice for someone thinking of working for Systech?
Make the move, your career will grow with Systech! There is a huge range of global opportunities within the business across specialist areas such as contract management, planning & scheduling, project controls, claims, dispute resolution, expert witness and legal.
The nature of consultancy does provide an uncertainty as to where your next project may be, but I personally find that an attraction. I like to have variety in my roles since this brings the opportunity to gain experience across diverse projects, whilst working alongside extremely skilled and experienced people.
