Joe McBride, project manager 

“I’m a project manager, working on energy transmission schemes across Scotland. The work is all about increasing transmission capacity so more renewable energy can connect to the grid and get to where it’s needed. I joined BAM as a site engineer, and nearly 13 years on I’m still working on energy transmission, though in a very different role. 

Most of my projects over the past decade have been for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, one of our key clients. Those long-term relationships make a big difference. Because you’re not just parachuting in and out of jobs, you build trust, which changes how projects are delivered. A lot of the work is in remote locations. We’re talking forests, mountains, places you wouldn’t expect to be building major infrastructure. You might be constructing a bridge, miles from anywhere, to carry a 400-tonne transformer. The logistics alone can be a challenge, but that’s part of what makes it interesting. 

The other thing is that this work feels meaningful. I came into civil engineering to leave a positive legacy, and energy infrastructure really does that. It’s not just about building something and moving on; it’s about enabling the transition to renewables and supporting communities long-term. That lines up well with BAM’s focus on building a sustainable future, and it feels genuine. It’s reflected in the types of projects we choose to work on and the clients we align ourselves with. 

For me, the BAM value of ‘Inclusive’ comes down to everyday behaviour on site. It’s how people are spoken to, how decisions are made, and whether everyone feels able to contribute. Teams are far more diverse than when I started, and that’s good, because you get different perspectives, fewer blind spots and better solutions. 

I try to create an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up and taking ownership. When that happens, communication improves, safety improves, conflicts are easier to resolve and you get better outcomes.”