Chris Scoins, Project Manager at BAM UK & Ireland speaks about working in a challenging environment, leadership on site and why safety is always his number one priority. For him, every working day starts the same way: with a safety walk around the construction site. ‘If everyone can start the day safely and well prepared, you know the foundations are right,’ he says.
Working in a place that dictates everything
The project location plays a major role in his daily work. Building on the coast means dealing with fast‑changing weather and conditions that directly affect planning and execution. ‘You constantly have to think ahead and stay flexible,’ Chris explains. That mindset helps the team adapt quickly while staying focused on doing the job properly and safely.
“As a leader, you have a responsibility to make sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.”
Proud of the team and the local community
Chris is particularly proud of his team and the way they work together. The shared commitment to Everyone Safe and Well Every Day is visible not only on site, but also to the local community. The construction site is close to homes and a busy coastal path, and careful housekeeping and consideration for the surroundings have not gone unnoticed. Positive feedback from local residents reinforces the pride Chris feels in his team’s professionalism.
Leadership that looks beyond today
As a Project Manager, Chris works closely with clients and technical consultants on a daily basis, where changes to requirements or design are simply part of the job. ‘Changes are inevitable,’ he says. ‘The challenge lies in how you deal with them.’ By working closely with design and cost teams, he helps clients realise solutions that truly suit their project. That also means knowing when to take a step back. ‘Sometimes you need to step back to keep seeing the bigger picture,’ Chris explains. Decisions are not just about costs or short‑term planning, but about what is best for the project, the client and BAM in the long term. For him, that is what good leadership is about: connecting people, listening carefully and making the right decision – not the easiest one – with today and tomorrow firmly in mind.
Safe and sound – every single day
For Chris, safety is not just a professional responsibility, but a personal one too. With two young daughters at home, coming back safe and sound matters deeply to him. ‘As a leader, you have a responsibility to make sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day,’ he says. By setting clear standards, leading by example and staying approachable, he helps create a culture where making the right – and safest – decision is simply how work gets done. ‘That is how, on site,’ concludes Chris, ‘BAM builds tomorrow every single day.’
