We are pleased to welcome Amy Gaughan as the new Senior Project Manager for Barhale’s Southern Region. With extensive experience in project management and a proven ability to deliver complex projects, Amy has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, technical expertise and a proactive problem-solving approach. Her appointment reflects Barhale’s commitment to strengthening our team with skilled professionals who drive excellence across our projects.

Background and starting at Barhale

Prior to joining Barhale, Amy gained essential project management experience at two construction firms, honing her abilities in budgeting, problem-solving, risk evaluation, and leadership. This complemented the completion of a civil engineering degree in 2014 and MSc in Construction Management in 2019. Amy was drawn to the position at Barhale to realign with her initial civil engineering ambitions. Also having professional and personal connections within Barhale provided her with firsthand insights into the company’s positive culture and collaborative atmosphere. These testimonials reinforced her belief that Barhale was the perfect match for her goals, offering both the autonomy she sought and a community-oriented workplace. Seeing a more empowering workplace than she had experienced previously, she was drawn to Barhale’s reputation for fostering a culture that values employee independence and trust. This approach resonated with Amy. “I was looking for a role where I could exercise greater control over my projects and Barhale seemed the right fit.” So far, Amy has been instrumental in overseeing four significant projects. In her role she provides support to Site Agents, ensuring that each project progresses efficiently, whilst meeting Barhale’s high standards.

Transitioning to a different sector

Transitioning from a career in rail to predominantly working in the water industry has presented both challenges and opportunities for growth for Amy. “Although it has been a big learning curve, this has broadened my skillset, enabling effective management of the water infrastructure projects that I have done to date.” Amy observes. To support this growth, Amy has carried out lots of reading to help navigate the challenges of working in a different sector.

Pursuing ICE chartership: A commitment to professional excellence

Looking ahead, Amy aims to achieve chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). Attaining chartered status will not only validate her skills and experience but also the ability to contribute meaningfully to the engineering community.

“Amy’s appointment as Senior Project Manager is a fantastic addition to our Southern Region team. Her varied project management experience, leadership skills, and problem-solving mindset is a great asset to her teams and the business as a whole. Amy has already demonstrated a proactive approach in managing key projects, ensuring efficiency and high standards. Her dedication to professional growth, including her pursuit of ICE chartership, reflects the ambition and expertise we value at Barhale. We look forward to seeing Amy thrive in her role and make a lasting impact within the business.” – Jacques Deneys (Contracts Manager, Southern Region)

Beyond the workplace: Diverse interests

Outside the workplace, Amy engages in a variety of activities that enrich her personal growth. “I love spending quality time with friends and family. I also enjoy travel, exploring new destinations several times a year.” An adventurous highlight that Amy experienced was climbing a volcano in Bali, an experience that combined physical challenge with breathtaking natural beauty. In addition, Amy has been practicing pole fitness for the past two and a half years, which has significantly improved her strength and flexibility.

Onboarding experience

Amy’s onboarding experience was good overall, and she comments on the great support she has been given, particularly from her line manager, Jacques Deneys. However, she does acknowledge that a comprehensive employee handbook would have been invaluable during her initial integration, offering clear guidance on company policies, procedures and expectations.

At Barhale, our senior project managers play a crucial role in driving success, ensuring projects are completed on time within budget and to the highest standard. We wish Amy all the best in her new role and look forward to seeing the impact she makes in the future.