Lea Perriman, Contracts Manager at Area, was recently featured in the August edition of WorkL World Magazine, where he provided an in-depth look into the fast-paced and multifaceted nature of his role. From early morning commutes and leadership in managing construction teams to the challenges of overseeing complex projects, Lea shared valuable insights into the daily demands of his position.
How do you start your Monday mornings?
My alarm goes off at 5:50am. I get out of bed, take a quick shower, brush my teeth, get dressed, and by 6:30am, I'm on my motorbike heading to the nearest station. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and I catch the 7:00am train to Liverpool Street. With my eyes closed, I listen to a podcast, usually "The Diary of a CEO" by Steven Bartlett. By 7:30am, I'm off the train, enjoying a brisk walk to London Bridge and into the office.
Upon arrival, I drop my bag, hang up my coat, plug in my laptop, and make a brew with a large glass of water. I start my day by reviewing any urgent emails, followed by my work schedule and calendar. Once that’s done, I draft an action plan, noting any items from the previous day that need carrying over.
The next part of my morning involves calling various construction managers to ensure everything is running smoothly on-site and offering assistance as needed. I then dive into my action plan, ticking off tasks as I complete them – it’s very satisfying crossing each item off once complete!
How do you spend your lunch break?
Lunch is a welcome break, a chance to get some fresh air, stretch my legs, and scout the numerous eateries for something "relatively" healthy. I enjoy lunch in our breakout area with work friends, catching up and relaxing before the afternoon's activities.
What does a typical afternoon look like for you?
Post-lunch, our construction team holds a workload review. This meeting is vital for discussing current project progress, allocating new projects to contracts managers, and reviewing upcoming projects. We also discuss the site teams required and our contractual status for each project. My afternoon is then spent preparing project meeting reports for Tuesday's stakeholder meeting, which includes site progress updates, procurement logs, RFIs, variation schedules, photographic reports, and a programme progress review.
Once home, I catch up with my family, enjoy an evening meal, and relax with an episode of a current box set. By 10:00pm, I’m ready for bed, ensuring I get a good night’s sleep.
What are your main responsibilities as a Contracts Manager?
As a Contracts Manager, my core responsibilities include managing the workload of the site construction team, overseeing project programmes and finances, and ensuring all contractual obligations are met. I place orders, execute contracts, and chair project meetings, keeping stakeholders fully informed. Building lasting relationships with clients is crucial – we’re there whenever they need us, not just until project completion. I also handle cost value reporting across all projects and provide monthly financial updates.
Collaboration and team interaction are vital to our company’s success. Regular meetings in both work and social settings ensure everyone plays their part, with roles and responsibilities often merging as needed.
What challenges do you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?
Challenges like tight programme deadlines and financial constraints are part of the job. By utilising the right resources, effective programming, and maintaining open communication, we can tackle any issues that arise. With years of experience and a strong team, we approach problems with confidence – knowledge truly is power.
What key factors keep you motivated in your role?
A positive outlook, understanding clients and team dynamics, and a drive to succeed are essential. Being organised, maintaining a life balance, and getting a good night's sleep are key to waking up excited for the day ahead. After all, if you’re not looking forward to your day, you might be in the wrong job. There's always a way – it's a phrase I live by!
