Commercial Manager
Name: Leila Rostom
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Cambridge HSE Science
Favourite: Mathematics. Love numbers!
Further study: University
where and what: UCEM - MBA in Construction and Real Estate
"I love the challenge of dealing with numbers in a rapidly changing and dynamic construction industry in South Africa and recently in Asia"
the inside scoop…
What does an Commercial Manager actually do? On behalf of the building owner, I act as a financial and contractual advisor to manage resources (people, money, time) required to deliver a construction project.
What does a day in your life at work look like? Meeting with designers to understand quality. Meeting with my team to assess and monitor costs according to design. Meeting with Contractors to negotiate costs. Meeting with Client to ensure costs are well reported and contracts are monitored.
What's the best part of your job? Dealing numbers and communicating with people (the nice ones at least!)
What made you realise construction could be for you? I first applied for Actuarial Science but my dad convinced me to pursue Quantity Surveying as he is a Civil Engineer. I love the challenge of dealing with numbers in a rapidly changing and dynamic construction industry in South Africa and recently in Asia.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Never give up on your dreams! If you believe you can do it, make it happen by surrounding yourself with the right people.
What's the best thing about working in construction? Every project is different and although similar principles are applied, it is never boring and a great sense of achievement and pride is felt in completing a project irrespective of the challenges.
What's something that surprised you about working in construction?. The most reliable and resilient people I have met in the construction industry are women. Whether they are on site, in office, at admin or management roles, women are much stronger than they appear!
Leila is open to engaging further via: Taking a student for work experience, Speaking at a high school, Mentoring a student.
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Leila Rostom" and we'll pass your message on.