Business Development Manager
Name: Lisa James
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Maths I, Maths II, Chemistry, Physics, Accounting, English
Favourite: Chemistry - I like to experiment and discover
Further study: University
where and what: Combined Degree - Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Information Technology at QUT in Brisbane
"There are unlimited career options in construction"
THE INSIDE SCOOP…
What does a Business Development Manager actually do? I basically look for and find new business for the company to ensure we meet the company's financial targets.
What does a day in your life at work look like? An exciting day for me is when I have a group of people who I haven't met before from a developer we want to do a project with and we tell them all the great things we are doing on our current projects and how we can build the best buildings for them. When I find ways we can work with people and add value to what they do, that is a good day for me.
What's the best part of your job? It is interesting, fast-paced, dynamic, and I am always learning something new (about other companies, systems, processes, and technologies), giving targeted presentations that help people achieve what they are seeking to achieve on their projects, and meeting new people.
What made you realise construction could be for you? During my 5th year of university, I did a summer internship at Allens Linklaters and ended up working there after I graduated in the Construction and Engineering division. I learned all about the contractual obligations in construction from a financier and developer perspective. I found that really interesting.
Tell us about balancing work with your other interest, or family. I am a single mum of 12 year old daughter, so balancing my work life with my life as a mum and also staying fit and healthy is really important to me. When I work, I work hard, and I put practices in place to work very efficiently. And I advocate for myself. When I need to be at home, I work from home. When I need to take care of myself, I go to the gym--even if for 10 minutes. I make time for self care. If I don't do it, no one will do it for me. You need to advocate for yourself to get what you need in order to achieve balance.
What's the best thing about working in construction? There are unlimited career options in construction. I am a lawyer with an IT degree and I moved into a position where I help construction companies grow. And I use all the skills I have attained over my 25 years of working. I started working as a lawyer, then I worked in IT, then moved into business development for a variety of companies from law firms to software developers, and eventually landed in construction, where I have been now for 15 years. Once you are in construction, the options are limitless. If you don't quite like where you land, you can easily move into other areas within construction.
What are you excited about in terms of sustainability in construction? In December last year, we invited 22 people to our offices to talk about all things sustainability - we had developers, engineers, bankers, architects, design managers, sustainability consultants, and project managers in the room and shared their expertise in different aspects of sustainability. It was so exciting to learn that we all can make a difference. Every single one of us.
If you'd like to enquire more, please email hello@tomorrowswomeninconstruction.com.au with the subject: "Lisa James engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.
