What a project manager does at RPS with Tara Llewellyn
Being a Project Manager requires planning, foresight, and an enthusiastic approach. At RPS especially, the way we deal with and manage a project is instrumental to our success. But what does managing projects entail? And why is RPS different?
19 March 2024 | 4 min read
Well, for one, RPS has talented individuals like Tara Llewellyn! Tara is a Project Manager for RPS, leading teams, guiding plans, and delivering a great experience for all clients. As a specialist in contract management, performance management and optimal delivery, Tara is the go-to expert for all things in project planning.
Deeply passionate about the Water Industry, Tara built up her operational knowledge over decades through varied roles before finding Project Management and finally a role at RPS. Now, she inspires others, creating change and contributing to ensuring RPS achieve efficient delivery.
Here, Tara shares the key to managing a project effectively, the mindset behind her commitment and how individuals can cultivate skills for a satisfying career.
What is your role? How long have you been at RPS?
I am a Project Manager for our England South region. I joined RPS back in 2020, so it’ll be almost four years now.
How did you end up joining RPS? And why RPS?
I worked for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (water provider for Wales) for many years and always enjoyed the fast-paced environment within the water industry. But eventually, I decided it was time for a new challenge and a career change. So, during lockdown, I explored opportunities within the water industry and found RPS, which had a vacant position which suited my exact skill set.
Why I chose RPS more over other organisations was primarily due to its core business values. These values really resonated with that of my own. It was evident that RPS appreciated their people, and that this was a company that believed in innovating and giving back to their community. RPS exhibited purpose in absolute delivery across vast sectors of varied industries, which I found truly impressive! I knew RPS was a brand/company I would be proud to represent.
What does your job entail?
As a Project Manager for England South, I oversee various contracts with a diverse client portfolio. I ensure projects are executed with efficiency and effectiveness, I coordinate resources, manage risks, and communicate with stakeholders and clients alike, focusing on growth and development to ensure project success, both analytical and organisational input, while demonstrating good leadership.
What three words would you use to describe your role?
Delivery - Development – Rewarding
What does a normal day look like for you?
A normal day can be very busy. On any day, I will be managing the delivery of projects to achieve the required outputs for Health & Safety, the environment, time, quality, and cost, thus ensuring the attainment of the high standards of work we are renowned for. I will be managing a multi-disciplinary project delivery team, which includes internal resources, and external supply chain and client stakeholders. I also tend to travel bi-weekly to see clients across the south of England (Sussex, Kent, Basingstoke, Devon, Cornwall, Salisbury, Oxford, Trowbridge, etc.)
Furthermore, I assist in the negotiation of contracts to deliver the best value across the business to achieve the most cost-effective and sustainable solutions possible while managing and balancing risk throughout. What is instrumentally key to my role is ensuring full compliance with safety and quality procedures, while also considering legal, contractual and governance obligations and budgetary boundaries.
How did you gain and build your expertise over the years?
I first completed Business and Finance at A levels. Then I achieved a CILEX qualification through night school whilst working full time.
I am a firm believer that if you set your mind to anything, you will achieve it. No matter what, you will get there – nothing is ever out of reach. Life experience, setting goals and some great managerial support has got me to where I am today and for that, I am truly thankful.
What is one of the most interesting projects you’ve worked on? And why?
With so many projects, I shouldn’t pick one but if hard pressed, I’d have to choose the Cartref and Water Efficiency Project which involved assisting vulnerable customers and saving water which has been extremely gratifying.
What makes this work so special for you? What’s your favourite part?
The people within RPS are what make this work special. They help drive my passion for delivery and in providing the best possible experience for my clients.
My favourite part of my role is supporting my staff in training and development to help them achieve their career goals and aspirations within RPS as I have done.
Why is this a great career for Women and Girls in STEM?
Women and girls in STEM play a crucial role in shaping our business and the current world we live in. I would actively encourage and support more Women and Girls to actively seek STEM careers for some of the following reasons:
- Narrowing the Gender Pay Gap - RPS provide equal opportunities for women to pursue and thrive in STEM fields throughout the company.
- Enhancing Economic Growth and Innovation - A diverse STEM workforce innovates technological growth. We contribute unique perspectives and skills which lead to novel solutions, breakthroughs, and advancements across various field sectors here at RPS.
- Preventing Biases - With RPS having more women in STEM, it helps prevent biased research, product development, and services.
- Empowering the Next Generation - Encouraging women and girls in STEM inspires future generations to make a difference as well.
In summary, RPS is excited to include more women and girls in STEM and it not only benefits them.
Women in STEMWhat's the best advice you can give to someone interested in starting a career at RPS?
RPS is different to any other place I’ve worked in my whole career. Here you ARE truly valued and supported within the role. RPS offer a career over having a job and I would advise anyone to join RPS as here, we do really make a difference!
How does your role help contribute to a better world? For RPS and everyone else?
I honestly believe I help contribute to a workplace that is inclusive and fair. Where the barriers to work are removed, where people can improve their skills, raise their confidence, and reach their potential.
Our RPS community makes our vision possible. Our members, partners, and staff – they are experts in their field, work and make changes for the better. We are uniquely placed to improve working lives, careers, growth, and development.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Fun Q&A: Getting to know Tara
What’s your proudest accomplishment? Personal or professional.
I am proud to have accomplished travelling to Angola. It was incredibly tough as extreme poverty was evidenced by the offset.
I started by talking to this little girl, ‘Pola’, who lived in the safe house with us and could speak a bit of English, and then my interest grew so I dedicated more of my time to talking to her.
After three months, I could construct some sentences, and I was well on my way to getting the accent down too!
My parents sent over a shoebox full of chocolate which I shared with the children and staff there.
What’s your favourite movie?
I have so many, but it has to be a childhood favourite - ‘The Labyrinth’ starring David Bowie.
What is your favourite meal?
Baby Rays Spicy Belly Pork (my husband is a mean cook).
Favourite song/album?
Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks – awesome!
Interested in a career with RPS?
Take a look at some of the open vacancies we have within our Asset, Survey & Inspection unit by visiting the link below!