5 minutes with … Charley Wainwright at Sypro

Why did you choose construction as a career?

I started my career as an environmental consultant, focusing on environmental due diligence during property transactions. From there, I moved into a geo-environmental engineering role, and over time expanded my expertise in business development and relationship management, bringing me to my current role at Sypro, which is part of Pagabo Group.

What are you most proud of in your career to date?

I’m really proud of my work at Sypro, where I have helped to grow a really strong team and supported our massive expansion plans. I joined the business about a year and a half ago, and since then, there has been a dynamic shift as we have taken our first steps on that growth journey.

We now have a full team and dedicated marketing, and it’s really rewarding to be fully involved in the various aspects of the company. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made – and am really excited about where we’re going.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?

I’ve had quite a diverse range of roles throughout my career, so the biggest challenge has been adapting to each new role and learning how to transfer my skills in different and creative ways to reach where I am today.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

To increase profit margins. The built environment has a reputation for not modernising quickly enough, but everyone is operating on tight margins, which limits the ability to innovate and deviate from the traditional ways of doing things.

What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?

Keep an open mind to the opportunities out there. You don’t always have to follow one path, and moving around within the industry can actually benefit you. Industry knowledge is valuable, and you shouldn’t see new opportunities as a blocker to your growth.

Name your favourite building in the world

The Chrysler Building in New York. I think it looks really cool and exudes style.

Compared to neighboring buildings that are blockier by design, the Chrysler Building has an elegant perspective that towers over the city.

Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?

Having worked as a geo-environmental engineer, I would love to have been involved in the stabilisation works at the leaning tower of Pisa.

What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?

I would always advise someone starting out to try and gain experience in different ways where they can. It’s important to talk to people about the various aspects of the industry because getting different perspectives from different regions and sectors can help you learn more, learn quickly, and make better decisions.

Who do you most admire in the construction industry?

I have worked with a lot of managers and other colleagues who have all taught me valuable lessons in different ways, and I try to take the good parts from everyone, such as the importance of attention to detail – which really translates through Sypro where attention to detail is critical in contract management.

One individual I particularly admire is my manager from my time at engineering consultancy Environ (which was later acquired by Ramboll): Steve Reed.

What is it like being you (and doing your job)?

I work with a lot of different teams within the business and liaise with many departments – including marketing, tech, finance, HR and more. It’s never boring because there are so many different things going on.

Do you have a life philosophy?

It’s important to put something in to get something out. I believe you cannot expect to receive without applying yourself. And it’s important to work hard so you can take time off guilt-free, have a successful day and enjoy a peaceful night.

What do you think your best quality is?

I like to think I’m quite resilient. Working in innovation, you encounter a lot of kickbacks and have to start over frequently. So trusting the process and staying resilient is key to succeeding long-term.

What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?

Close-mindedness, especially when it comes to trying new things. I find a lack of openness to new ideas and too much nervousness about rocking the boat quite frustrating.

Name three things that you like

I enjoy travelling, both in Europe and further afield. I also like keeping fit and going for walks.

Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have

I am learning pottery and I am part of a pottery studio in Leeds.

What is your most prized possession?

Probably my watch, which I received from my grandma for my 21st birthday. I wear it every day.

Early bird or night owl?

I am definitely an early bird.

What is your favourite food?

Anything Italian.

What would your superpower be?

I would want to be able to fly, Superman-style