Gary Sullivan

01. Who are you, and what is your role?

I am Gary Sullivan, a Site Manager at SDC. In my role, I am responsible for ensuring the smooth running of construction sites—a challenging yet rewarding job! Typically, I work on one site at a time unless one project is wrapping up and I need to begin a new one elsewhere.

In addition to managing current projects, I support clients and colleagues from previous jobs. To maintain continuity for both clients and site teams, I also often work on projects with clients or on sites I have collaborated with before. Once a team has built a strong rapport with a client and among themselves, it would be crazy to lose that dynamic.

02. What has your journey been to get to SDC?

Born in Greenwich, East London but mainly raised in Wellingborough, Northants, I had a normal 70s childhood. After school I was briefly an apprentice welder until I met a work colleague who was ex-forces; they recognised that I wasn’t achieving my potential. He inspired me with his tales, and I dropped into the recruiting office on my way home and signed up immediately, not telling my parents until it was too late to change it. I attended my recruit’s course and loved it. The next 22 years flew by with operational tours all over the world and experiences that could not be matched in the world of welding – that’s for sure!

03. What projects are you currently working on?

After spending time in each of Main, Housing, and Special Projects departments, I eventually found myself back in Main Projects, focusing on schemes for Center Parcs. Nestled in green forests with camouflage nets, it felt like home sweet home for almost ten years.

Then came COVID—difficult times for everyone. Amidst the challenges, I moved house and hit a brick wall, struggling to find my way forward. The support I received from SDC during that time was crucial and deeply appreciated.

Currently, I’m wrapping up Ghiberti, a £35M+ project to build a research centre for BioMed. Up next is the Multi-Storey Car Park at Granta Park!

04. What motivates you?

I am motivated by tackling challenges and trying new things, like taking on the water rides at Center Parcs. I am also driven by helping others reach their full potential, just as my welding mentor did for me many years ago. I have achieved this repeatedly in the Army and, I’d like to think, also in SDC.

Additionally, I take pride in doing a good job to the best of my ability and ensuring I don’t let the team down. I value knowing that I have the support and backing of SDC to make decisions independently, which I strive to do effectively.

05. What does working at SDC mean to you?

SDC is an excellent company to work for, with a real family feel, and you truly get out of it what you put in. I feel very lucky and privileged to be employed by SDC, now in my 17th year—nearly as long as my time in the Army.