“A works manager needs to be both ingenious and curious if they want to find a solution in the field that can save time and optimise the current project. For example, on the project for track L at Lyon Part-Dieu station, I suggested to my works director that we dig a trench for the telecoms, electricity, water and cooling system rather than an overhead installation for just the telecoms network as initially planned. This way we could avoid having to do more works every year for three years to adapt the installation as the station site evolves.
As a works manager, I am responsible for project management, on both a technical and financial level. I choose the type of workers needed for the project (energy, civil engineering, etc.), I am responsible for making sure the works go well taking into account constraints and unforeseen circumstances and I manage the financial side when it comes to modifications to plans. Often in the field I rely a lot on works supervisors who are my eyes on the site.
I joined SNCF in 2006. I took a one-year training when I joined thanks to which I got a degree in industrial production. This meant I could be made an operational technician then later a works manager. I still really enjoy the variety in my work. In contact with all the professions (electricity, air-conditioning, ventilation, civil engineering, finishing, telecoms, etc.) and people who are passionate about what they do, we make huge progress every day on a technical level. When you like to learn, there is plenty to do here!
In recent years SNCF Gares & Connexions has refocused its activity on the layout and maintenance of stations. The diversity and nature of the works is very wide. It’s never boring. My goal is to become a works director to have an overview of the sites and be in direct contact with the studies. ”