23/05/2023

Spotlight on Andrei Oarca

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Did you know that we have Graduate Scheme at Bouygues UK?

In fact, we invest heavily in it. Graduates who join us benefit from an extensive range of personal and professional development opportunities, and a strong support network.

We spoke to Andrei Oarca, in his second year of the Graduate Scheme to find out more about his experience at Bouygues UK so far. Here’s what he had to say!

Who are you and what is your role?

My name is Andrei Oarca and I am currently a Graduate Assistant Quantity Surveyor on the Peckham Library and Flaxyard project based in Peckham, South London.

What do you do in your day to day?

I mainly deal with procurement which is the process of securing all the goods and services needed to bring a construction project to completion. This is usually split into smaller packages such as brickwork, roof waterproofing, painting & decorating, etc which will be managed by individual surveyors.

I have now also had some experience of managing the subcontractors that we have procured during their contract works on site which entails resolving site problems, assisting with payment, continuous liaison in keeping the relationship effective and professional. The latter inevitably assists with better pricing for future jobs that Bouygues UK wins.

What’s the biggest challenge in your role?

Maintaining high performance output whilst managing multiple packages simultaneously. This will generally entail having the ability to manage procurement of packages that are upcoming (within a timely manner as per the proposed programme) as well as managing subcontractors that are currently on site (monthly payment valuations, design issues, buildability, etc). High performance is critical at all these stages due to the financial and programme implications that these could have on the project.

What do you enjoy about your role?

I personally enjoy the diversity of the job due to the multitude of different tasks that have to be done on a day-to-day or weekly basis. There are particular sections within each month where time will have to be allocated for the completion of certain actions, such as payments in order to ensure that the subcontractor receives their allocated sum of money prior to the deadline.

What are you most proud of since starting out at Bouygues UK?

My confidence has really grown, which I have notice and have been told by other members of staff as I was quite shy before onboarding to the Bouygues UK graduate scheme. This is mainly due to having high exposure in liaising with subcontractors from the outset as well as joining client meetings where appropriate, and providing important site input on matters I have been involved in.

What is a common misconception about your role?

That the only thing we do is revolved around measuring or counting. A Quantity Surveyor’s role has really evolved within the last few years especially since the implementation of BIM (Building Information Modelling), which now enables us carry out less manual measurement and use the extra time available assisting the site team (where applicable) and managing our subcontractors on site much more effectively.

How do you think the Graduate Scheme will benefit your development in the long-term?

The graduate scheme has allowed me to interact with a lot of senior staff thus far which is fantastic especially when you are trying to build your network within a new business. It has also been a great steppingstone in my career as Bouygues UK are a massive tier 1 main contractor recognised around the world.

What would you say to someone considering applying for the Graduate Scheme?

Please apply – this has been one of the most pleasurable working environments I have ever experienced. It is also a very progressive scheme as the closer you get to the end of the scheme, the more responsibility you are awarded.

Where do you see yourself this time next year?

I see myself as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Bouygues UK, working towards my chartership accreditation.