Lisa Duignan

I'm a project director in the exciting and fast paced high-tech and manufacturing (HT&M) sector, based in Dublin. I’m also the EMEA region lead for one of our biggest global clients, supporting its hyperscale data centre construction programme.

I’m responsible for leading cross functional teams, primarily project controls focused, and delivering a consistent and proactive service.

I began as an assistant cost manager in our Toronto office. My next step was moving into a mechanical and electrical quantity surveyor role based in London, where I also became a chartered surveyor.

My experience supported a natural progression into HT&M, a sector which is growing exponentially. I've led on hyperscale data centre commissions at both a project and programme level and supported growth of our teams on key sites and in our hub offices.

I am currently based between our Dublin office and our client's EMEA HQ, growing our partnership on their program as part of our global key client leadership team.

Q. How has your career at Turner and Townsend developed?

A. I’m privileged that my career at Turner & Townsend has developed rapidly, from counting lights as an Assistant QS through to leading a multi-disciplinary EMEA team with our biggest tech client as a Project Director. I’ve worked with amazing mentors, colleagues and clients which I’m very grateful for, many of whom have been integral to my own growth as a leader and as a person.

Q. What's your typical day?

A. Most people in our business will say no two days are the same! This morning I reviewed our monthly project report on a Dublin data centre project with our onsite team. I’m about to meet a client stakeholder now to discuss our team structure for the next data centre building coming up on our Netherlands site.

I’ll also be joining a High Tech & Manufacturing board meeting today, catching up with our global leadership team to discuss updates and focus areas for the region. Later this afternoon I’m with one of our new starters who’s here in Dublin for onboarding. I’ll introduce him to our clients and make sure he gets to shadow a variety of people on our team to get familiar with project culture and processes before he relocates to his site.

Q. How do you see your career progressing at Turner & Townsend?

A. I want to work closely with our global high tech and manufacturing board and regional teams to increase our capability and track record, making us the number one choice for clients in this sector.

I'd also like to contribute more to the health and wellbeing agenda within the business in the coming years, it’s going to be vitally important to grow and retain the best talent and is something I’m very passionate about.