Our Paramount People series continues with a look at how our staff help businesses complete their workplace design and office fit-out projects on budget and on time.
In this edition, we’re following Gary Hobbs to give us an insight into a day in the life of a Commercial Manager.
What do you do at Paramount?
My title is a Commercial Manager, but my role extends to anything project related.
This ranges from early budget costings, measurement of quantities, tender preparation, and contractual arrangements to on-site project management and post-completion duties.
Talk us through a recent day: How did it start?
Those who know me are aware that I am a creature of habit, and so my days start much the same.
I’m up and out of the house early and try to get in 30-minutes of exercise before work. The endorphins set me up for the rest of the day.
Then it’s into the office and laptop on. Whilst it’s warming up, I’ll have a glass of water to start my hydration; I’m a strong believer in the benefits of drinking sufficient fluids.
What projects did you work on?
I worked on four projects:
- Briefing on a pre-qualification that needs drafting and preparing for submission.
- Closing out some minor queries on a project that has reached practical completion but still in the defects liability period.
- Preparing and issuing some sub-contractor tender packages for a scheme I’m currently preparing a budget for.
- A site meeting with a client, colleagues and sub-contractors to discuss the minutiae of setting out electrical accessories and drafting sketch elevations for approval prior to instructing works.
What was the highlight of the day?
That would have been a discussion on whether an electrical accessory should be fitted 1,400mm or 1,500mm above finished floor level.
I’m a numbers man, so talking minutiae eases my OCD!
What’s been your proudest moment at Paramount?
Having a call from a client’s representative asking if we were interested in undertaking some additional works for them, as they were impressed with our professional approach to the scheme we were currently constructing for them.
Tell us something we might not know about you.
I recently participated in the Fan Dance; a civilian version of the SAS Selection Test Speed March.
I finished within the required time limit and, while I’m not joining the SAS, it was nice to benchmark my fitness.
Who would play you in Paramount: The Movie?
No real preference, as I wouldn’t have time to watch it.
Spare time is enjoyed outdoors.
