When Megan Opie joined Barhale in June 2022, she was stepping into a world she knew very little about. With a Business and Management degree from Aston University and a placement year spent in customer service at Volvo Trucks, construction planning wasn’t on her radar.

“I’d never heard of planning as a profession,” she says. “But it sounded logical and I’m quite a logical person, so it spoke to me.”

What helped tip the balance was a strong instinctive connection to Barhale itself. With an Irish background and a large extended family, Megan felt a natural affinity with the company’s Irish roots. That sense of familiarity, along with Barhale’s strong values, positive reputation and graduate scheme benefits, gave her the confidence to jump into an unfamiliar industry.

Megan joined Barhale as the company’s first graduate planner, working in the Eastern Region on Water Resource Management Plan pipeline and non-infrastructure schemes with Anglian Water’s @one Alliance. While her peers on the graduate scheme were typically civil engineers or site managers, Megan was carving out a new path in planning.

Climbing the Ladder

Over the next 18 months, Megan progressed quickly. She was promoted to Assistant Planner in December 2023 and by March 2025 had taken on the full Planner role, less than three years after starting.

“I started out on the same portfolio of work I’m on now and I’ve grown with it,” she explains. “Now I manage five different schemes, producing and maintaining robust programmes from design through to construction and beyond.”

Her day-to-day involves overseeing every stage of a project lifecycle, from early feasibility (DM0) right through to construction and financial close.

Learning Curve and Challenges

With no prior experience in construction or planning, Megan faced a steep learning curve at the start. Furthermore, building confidence in a role that required her to guide others was one of the biggest early challenges. As a planner, she needed to direct teams and shape project timelines, something she gradually grew into with support from those around her.

“I’ve worked with some really supportive teams,” she adds. “Once I realised it was okay to ask questions and that I wasn’t annoying anyone, it got a lot easier.”

A Culture of Support and Collaboration

Megan describes Barhale’s culture as one of its biggest strengths. Despite being a large company, it maintains a close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere.

“It’s a big business, but it feels very personable,” she says. “The senior leaders are visible, people are approachable and there’s a strong sense of community.”

Her growth has also been shaped by collaboration, both within her project teams and the wider planning function. In her first year, she introduced a new planning method across the alliance. Rather than being met with resistance, her idea was embraced.

“Standing up in front of planners with 20-plus years’ experience after only six months was nerve-wracking,” she recalls.

 Mentorship and Expanding Horizons

Megan credits her wider development to the support of Samantha Barratt who encouraged her to explore opportunities beyond her core role. When Megan expressed an interest in women in construction initiatives, Samantha invited her to awards evenings and seminars and connected her with industry groups.

Megan is now part of CECA Next Gen Foundations Group, giving her access to a broader network of young professionals across the industry and helping her to shape the future of planning beyond her own projects.

“Megan is a breath of fresh air. Her passion to learn coupled with not being afraid to put herself out of her comfort zone to challenge the status quo or to educate others through STEM are inspirational for others around her. Every opportunity I have given Megan, she has grasped with open arms.” Samantha Barratt (Business Development and Communications Director)

Just as important has been the guidance she’s received day-to-day. Megan highlights both Alan Beecroft and her @one Alliance line manager, Dean Carson, as instrumental in her development.

“Alan has always been a steady source of support,” she says. “He’s there when I need advice or a sounding board.”

Megan’s line manager is equally complimentary about her impact on the team: “It’s been fantastic to see Megan’s progression over the past three years. She was part of the first @one Alliance Graduate Planners cohort as well being part of the 2 year Barhale Graduate Scheme. Her first month was certainly different from Uni, we walked a 12km pipeline route yet to be constructed. 18 months later she led the on-site planning and reporting of the same scheme, a true testament of her development!” Alan Beecroft (Programme Manager, Eastern region).

Dean, her direct manager through the @one Alliance, has been equally influential. “He’s been really helpful, someone I can go to with specific issues,” Megan explains. “He’s always available and genuinely committed to helping me succeed.” Together, they’ve helped her navigate the pressures of a fast-moving industry while keeping her focused on growth and contribution.

A Personal Touch

Outside of work, Megan enjoys reading and is a proud member of a local book club. “I love it,” she says with a smile. “It’s a great way to unwind.”

From her early uncertainty about the construction industry to delivering multiple major programmes, Megan’s story is one of courage growth, and connection, both with her projects and the people around her.