A graduate of Salford University, John started his career as a site engineer with a contractor in the Midlands. He progressed to the roles of site manager, projects manager, then contracts manager before moving to London with the same company.
More recently, John worked in regional management and director roles before joining Beard in 2004. John has been a member of the Chartered Institute of Building since 1990 and completed an MBA with the Open University in 2003.
What made you join Beard?
I felt that Beard was a company with ambitions that matched my own, and the right things in place to have a realistic prospect of achieving those ambitions. I also felt that Mark Beard was someone whom I respected and could work alongside very successfully, and who showed similar visions and values. Obviously, in a family-owned business this is essential. At the same time, Mark and I both believed that I would bring the necessary skills and leadership to the Oxford business to take it forward. Finally, on visiting the Oxford office, I found that the working environment and the staff there were a big plus, too.
What skills and knowledge do you need to do your job?
In my job you need a range of skills. Technical skills and knowledge of the construction process, together with commercial skills, are all important. However, I also believe that interpersonal skills, leadership and team-building qualities are vital, as is an ability to see the bigger picture and think strategically.
“I also believe that interpersonal skills, leadership and team-building qualities are vital, as is an ability to see the bigger picture and think strategically.”
John Youle, Construction Director
What are the most enjoyable parts of your job?
Delivering customers’ requirements. This obviously includes handing over completed projects, but I’m also talking about just working through a problem and coming up with a solution that allows things to progress to the next stage within a project. Customers include internal customers, and achieving targets we have set ourselves is very enjoyable. I also get a lot of satisfaction from seeing our staff develop as a team and as individuals.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
I suppose it is keeping all the balls in the air – trying not to miss something that will trip us up whilst at the same time looking far enough ahead. The thing that I find most frustrating is coming across people who are just thinking about their own interests and are not prepared to work as a team.
What are your biggest achievements?
My biggest achievement is the progression of my career to a senior position with a respected contractor whilst managing to stay happily married for 21 years and raise three children.
If you could change one thing about the construction industry what would it be?
Although the industry has got a lot better in recent years, it is still too adversarial and contractual. The more this improves, the fewer obstacles there will be to people and organisations trying hard to deliver solutions that satisfy customers.
