Changed
Changed
Twenty-three years ago, Erin Rounds started her aviation journey in the wash area of Brisbane Airport's flight catering facility...
Heidi’s career story starts like most, in one place – architecture and interior design – and ends in an entirely other – Senior Project Manager at Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC).
After spending the first decade in the architecture and design space, Heidi transitioned into the world of project management where she’s been working for the past 12 years.
Her latest career triumph has been stepping into the Infrastructure and Planning Division under major projects (all projects over $100M) as a Senior Project Manager of what will be the biggest project in the Domestic Terminal’s history since its construction – the Domestic Terminal Security Upgrade Project.
To find out more about this exciting project she’s leading (and recruiting for!) and what she enjoys about working at BAC, Heidi gave us an insight into her world.
What is the Domestic Terminal Security Upgrade Project?
This is a landmark project that will span five years and change the face of the Domestic Terminal, just in time for the Olympics.
What started as an upgrade to passenger security has turned into the biggest, single project that’s happened at the Domestic Terminal since it was built.
The upgrade will future-proof the Domestic Terminal to meet the requirements of a projected 26M passengers through its doors each year, compared to its current passenger capacity of approximately 19M each year.
The project will include an upgrade to the screening areas, baggage reclaim, baggage system and general terminal re-development – to meet increased passenger growth.
Are you recruiting for this project? What will this look like?
We’ll be looking to recruit another 12 staff in the immediate term, but by the end of the project we expect to have about 40 on the team.
For those wanting to join, it’s going to be an exciting project, delivering a completely new passenger experience and will be a distinctive landmark for Brisbane.
What led you to working at BAC in the first place?
Working in aviation is such an interesting space and its amazing how much goes on behind the scenes to enable air travel. It’s exciting and dynamic which I find really engaging.
What does a day in the life of a Senior Project Manager look like?
My days consistently change and are really dictated by what phase the project is in. For example, during the design phases it consists of mostly meetings with internal and external stakeholders and design consultants, whereas during the construction phase you will find me onsite with our building contractors.
What would surprise most people about working for BAC?
I think people would be surprised by the fact that BAC is so future-focused – with a terminal program of works that is projected decades into the future.
We’re always looking to the future and construction projects consider what infrastructure corridors are needed to support this next level of growth.
What is the culture like at BAC?
There’s a real sense of teamwork here at BAC. Everything from charity fundraisers, trivia nights to celebrating milestones – it’s a very supportive environment.
I’m also involved with the Diversity and Inclusion Council here at BAC and am a strong believer that diverse and inclusive workforces are happier workplaces, leading to innovative ideas, better decision making and ultimately greater business outcomes.
If you could sum up what you love about your role, what does it boil down to?
It’s got to be my team. Like all great jobs, it’s the people who make it. In my role I have the opportunity to engage with multiple stakeholders including airside, terminal and security operations, Design Consultants and Construction Contractors – and it is my job to mitigate any disruptions because the airport has to run 24/7.
With all this travel-inspiration around you, where to next?
I have no travel plans locked in just yet, but would love to travel to Japan for the Sapporo Snow Festival and take the kids skiing!
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