Meet the Team – Robert Lee, Principal Project Manager

From Sydney to Suffolk, working in various sectors such as residential and stonework, Robert has over ten years experience working in project management and joined us in 2024.

Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to this role?

I began my career at a project management company in Essex, working across various sectors, primarily hotel refurbishment and facilities management for prestigious brands. After a few years, I became interested in residential development and transitioned to a London-based company specialising in small- to medium-scale prime residential and mixed-use projects. This role exposed me to every stage of the development process, from planning and design to construction and occupancy, providing a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to deliver a successful project.

In January 2018, I decided to move to Australia. For context, my now-wife and I had met in Sydney in 2013 before my journey into project management began, and we returned to the UK together in 2014. I joined a company specialising in government sector projects in Australia, including residential, aged care, and educational facilities. Over four years, I earned two promotions, eventually managing a team of four project managers and reporting directly to the CEO. Afterwards, I moved to Perth, Western Australia, to work with a large tiling contractor. This was my first experience with a specialist trade, and I gained valuable insights into the specific skills and expertise required in this niche.

In July 2023, my wife and I relocated to London, where I joined a stone company managing the design, sourcing, manufacturing, and installation of stonework for ultra-prime residential properties. This role gave me a new appreciation for stonemasonry and the craftsmanship required to meet exacting standards. Finally, in July 2024, we moved to Suffolk, and I joined the team at Concertus.

What attracted you to Concertus?

When planning my move to Suffolk, I was initially unfamiliar with Concertus or other local companies. However, when I discovered the advertised role online, I visited the Concertus website to learn more about their work and approach. I quickly saw that their projects aligned with my experience and skills.

In my initial Teams interview with Natalie Finnigan (Associate Director) and Joe Hall (Associate (Project Management, Estates + Development), I immediately found similarities between the company’s values and culture with my personal feelings and ways of working. This was reinforced during my face-to-face interview, where I learned more about their diverse projects that Concertus are involved with. The variety excited me, as it presented opportunities to apply my expertise while engaging with new challenges.

Can you describe your primary responsibilities as Principal Project Manager?

As Principal Project Manager, I oversee three project managers while supporting the entire PM, Estates, and Development team. I also work closely with our Associate, Joe Hall, to maintain and improve team performance. This role requires a balance of leadership, support, and accountability. Day-to-day, I assist the team in problem-solving, provide advice, address concerns, and collaborate with Joe to foster a cohesive and well-rounded team that are the best they can be for our client base.

What key challenges do you anticipate in this role, and how do you plan to address them?

Since joining Concertus in July, I’ve been inspired by the solid foundation of our internal processes and see great potential to build on this to enhance consistency and efficiency in our delivery.

Drawing from my experience with a range of organisational structures, from highly structured to more flexible, I’m excited to help refine and evolve our processes in a way that benefits everyone. By working collaboratively with the team and actively seeking feedback, Joe and I have already started implementing meaningful improvements to align our approaches and drive even better outcomes for our clients.

Are there any future projects you’re excited about, and why?

I’ve been involved with the North Lowestoft Garden Village project since joining Concertus. Although it began long before my arrival, it’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to a large-scale, complex development based on the principles of green space and community living. The project is still in the master planning phase, but its size and ambition make it a standout initiative. I’ve learned a great deal from working on it already and look forward to seeing the long-term impact of our efforts.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a Project Manager?

Project management is an incredibly versatile role spanning many industries, but the core principles remain the same: you deliver an outcome. This could be an excellent career path if you’re organised, dedicated, and eager to learn.

When I started, I had no idea what to expect. My first day on a construction site involved brand-new safety boots, a high-visibility jacket, and a clipboard, and being asked to do a “take-off” for materials. I wondered if I’d made the right choice.

Looking back, 10 years and many projects later, the most significant aspect of my journey has been the people I’ve met. In construction, you especially encounter individuals from all walks of life, and those relationships make the work truly rewarding.