Recruitment
“I am nominating Alasdair as Rail Engineer of the year for his role as Engineering Manager on the Northumberland Line project, a position he has held since the project’s Strategic Outline Business Case was developed in 2018. The transformation of the existing 15 mile long railway line between Benton Junction and Ashington from one that carries freight to a mixed passenger and freight service is complex from both a technical and stakeholder perspective. The project team have been challenged to deliver this third party scheme adopting new ways of thinking and working with the aim of reducing cost and programme, embracing industry initiatives such as SPEED. Alasdair has welcomed the challenge with open arms.
From a technical perspective, Alasdair is required to work alongside multiple organisations including colleagues from AECOM, SLC Rail, Kilborn, Cadenza, Morgan Sindall and various parts of Network Rail who are each delivering various design packages. The scheme comprises the construction of six new stations, a number of structures, realignment and in some areas a redoubling of the permanent way along with new signalling and associated works. The ground investigation package of work is also challenging as the original route was built to service mining activity. Alasdair’s role is that of the conductor of the orchestra; he is required to lead the integration of all technical elements of the work to ensure the Project requirements are met whilst maintaining the required level of rigour. The design solutions presented have to meet the requirements of affordability, constructability and maintainability so there are multiple facets to consider in addition to integration between the technical disciplines. At times, there are a lot of “spinning plates” and a constant systems integration approach is therefore required.
With respect to innovation on the project, Alasdair has championed the introduction and use of a digital twin approach; although this has been quite time consuming to set up, once established it will help drive efficiency, reduce rework and understand the impact of any proposed design changes.
In addition to his role as technical lead, Alasdair has been involved with various stakeholder consultations particularly with people who live along the route and will be affected by the proposed solutions. This requires a unique skill set as it is imperative the communications meet the needs of the audience and complex technical scenarios can be explained using appropriate language. Alasdair has a natural flair for this and can engage with a broad stakeholder network. He is now sharing his experiences and lessons learnt in various professional institution seminars and events.
To me, Alasdair demonstrates all the attributes required of a professional engineer. He fully appreciates safe, affordable solutions must be found that meet the needs of both the constructor and the maintainer, whilst balancing technical risk on the project. System safety sits at the core of his decision making along with due regard for sustainability and the environment. Alasdair’s ability to communicate important technical concepts to a non technical audience and gain their trust is a treasured skill.“
“Alasdair's passion and commitment to the industry is second to none. Similar to the nomination made by Joan Heery, over the past couple of years Alasdair has been instrumental in driving forward the engineering on the flagship Northumberland Line Project leading a large team of multi-disciplinary railway engineers across a number of project partners with the common aim of challenging the norm to deliver this project faster and cheaper and delivering a value driven solution which unlocks communities on the north east of England.
Alasdair's focus on delivering this project is a credit to him, his ability to drive the engineering and to bring the stakeholders of the project 'along on the journey' in a co-ordinated manner has hugely benefited this project.“
“Having worked alongside Alasdair for many years on a variety of projects, our recent endeavour on the Northumberland Line Project truly demonstrates Alasdair’s hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to whatever challenges are thrown at him. Whilst Alasdair will be the first to modestly admit that he isn’t the most experienced Engineering Manager, those that have worked alongside him on this project would agree with my sentiments that there would be few experienced Engineering Managers that could do a better job. The Northumberland Line project has been anything but a typical rail regeneration project, and Alasdair’s dedication to getting the job done amongst a wide variety of engineering, budget, programme and political challenges is a real testament to his nomination for this award. As Project Manager on this project, working alongside Alasdair to deliver this scheme has made my role significantly easier and certainly more enjoyable, and without his ongoing efforts, this project would have played out very differently and its pending success can be vastly credited to Alasdair input.“
“For me, Alasdair demonstrates all the attributes expected of a modern-day professional engineer. He is instrumental in defining safe but affordable solutions that will meet the expectations of the design team, the constructers, and the maintainer and whilst taking due consideration of sustainability and environmental considerations. Alasdair works incredibly hard and is also a first-class communicator ensuring that his ideas and leadership are clear and transparent to his team.
Alasdair is currently Engineering Manager on the Northumberland Line project. This project aims to transform what is currently a ‘freight only’ line back to a mixed passenger and freight service. Alasdair has been EM for the past 3 years moving the design form outline business case into full detailed design. This is a complex and high-profile project to deliver a third party scheme adopting new ways of thinking and working with the aim of reducing cost and programme, embracing industry initiatives such as SPEED. Alasdair has stepped up to this challenge and maintains a high standard of professionalism in across this complex stakeholder environment where he is working alongside multiple organisations including, SLC Rail, Kilborn, Cadenza, Morgan Sindall, various parts of Network Rail and a number of different specialist teams within AECOM, each delivering different design packages.
The scheme comprises the construction of six new stations, a number of structures, realignment and in some areas a redoubling of the permanent way, along with new signalling and associated works. The ground investigation package of work is also challenging as this is in an area with a lot of historical mine-workings. Alasdair leads the integration of all technical disciplines and packages, both internally and externally.
Alasdair is a very modest individual but recognition of his achievements is growing as he is increasingly being asked to present on this project in professional institution seminars and events. He is an excellent example of an Engineering Manager in the Rail sector and I hope this is recognised across the industry.“
“I have worked with Ally for the last 3 years on the Northumberland Project and apart from being an excellent engineer he understands and is able to integrate all of the wider disciplines required to deliver such a multi-disciplinary project from Land and Consents through Timetable and Operations to Cost Challenge and Stakeholder Management.“
“I have worked with Ally over many years, but more recently on Northumberland where his drive and resilience has seen the project move from SOBC to Decision to Deliver within 3 years. He is the controlling mind behind the design of the entire project and the heartbeat of the design programme.
He has led with passion and empathy for local stakeholders who will gain huge benefit when this scheme is fully delivered by 2024.“
“I have worked with Alasdair on the Northumberland line project since May 2021 in his capacity as CEM. My first impression of Alasdair was his obvious commitment to the project outcomes and his understanding that the project wasn't just another infrastructure project but a catalyst in driving regeneration and growth in areas of the North East. Safety, Social Value, Driving efficiencies and value for money are at the forefront of everything Alasdair does along with his meticulous attention to detail in all areas of engineering.
Working alongside Alasdair on this complex project has been an absolute pleasure and his dedication and motivation to achieving the end goals outstanding.“
“Alasdair leads the rail design for complex multi-disciplinary projects and I am currently working with him on the Northumberland Line Upgrade. His strengths are as follows:-
* Sustainability - he supports and promotes sustainability to the design team, attends workshops and facilitates meaningful change to make the project more sustainable.
* Safety - always holds a safety moment at the beginning of meetings and considers staff wellbeing as well as site based risks.
* Leadership - keeps all staff engaged, updated and involved. Draws contributions from all team members and disciplines to ensure true multi-discipline solutions are reached.
* Quality - has delivered outstanding quality engineering design through complex multi-disciplinary projects.
* Experience - Alasdair has brought experience and maturity to bear on the Northumberland line project leading both the design development and being able to address stakeholder concerns and consents requirements.
In spite of COVID during 2021 Alasdair has overseen the high quality design delivery to program of a complex multidisciplinary project.“
“Alasdair has carried out a fantastic job leading the multi-disciplinary design process on the Northumberland Line project through difficult and challenging circumstances and has the respect of the full engineering team.“
“I am nominating Alasdair due to the excellent work he has undertaken on the Northumberland Project. Back in 2018, Alasdair was unsure about taking on such a significant role and initially I mentored him. However, it soon became apparent that he did not require a mentor and was more than capable of delivering the Engineering Management for the project. His growth as a rail systems engineer and his confidence in his abilities have accelerated and he is now performing at a very high level.
During 2021, Alasdair has dealt with delivering a significant project during a pandemic, managed client expectations from a third party local authority, engaged with multiple stakeholders, dealt with ongoing turnover of staff within NR and almost constant interference from political figures uninformed of the needs of a passenger railway. I have no hesitation in putting my vote behind Alasdair for this year.“
“I have been working with Ally for the last year also, in particular working on the Northumberland Line Restore your railway project, he has shown to influence the rail industry with new approach in line with ProjectSpeed, this has resulted in the way that the rail project has been delivered in the past, faster, greener and efficient way to deliver high profile project. Subsequently the programme benefited shaving off 18 Months.“
“Ally has been involved in the Northumberland Line project for a number of years as the Engineering Manager and has played a vital role in driving the project forward under intense cost and programme constraints. He has brought a vast amount of engineering expertise to the team and has gone 'above and beyond' through his commitment to delivering a successful project. However, perhaps more importantly, Ally has seen the bigger picture in terms of the wider economic regeneration and social value objectives and this is reflected in his day to day contributions. The project wouldn't be where it is today without Ally's input.“
“I have worked alongside Ally for the last 3-4 years on the Northumberland Line scheme developing the proposals through Strategic Outline Business Case, Outline Business Case and Final Business Case through the completion of a Routewide Option Selection process, production of Approval in Principle Outline Designs and now into development of Detailed Designs all of which have informed the ongoing planning process. The scheme has not been without its challenges, whether that be affordability, delivery programme acceleration challenge, ongoing design concept scrutiny, planning objections along with the added complexity of delivering through a remote working environment as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Ally has done a sterling job in keeping the scheme moving towards the end goal of re-opening a new railway which will bring huge economic and sustainable benefits to the North East of England while shielding the design teams from the majority of the aforementioned challenges.“
“Exceptional guidance and support.“
“I'm fortunate to have worked on and off with Alasdair for around 20 years. I have seen him learn, grow and evolve into the Engineer he is today.
He has worked closely with me on the Northumberland Line Project specifically, while I perform the role of ProjectWise Admin / Information Manager to his Engineering Manager role.
The Northumberland Line Project has been a unique trailblazing project and has kept us on our toes throughout, were Alasdair's commitment, dedication and professionalism has helped deliver what we have so far.“
“CEM of outstanding capability.“
“Ally is a highly experienced engineer who combines his passion for design with a real desire to improve the lives of passengers who will ultimately use the railway. Often people bring one or other of these qualities to the table, it is rare to find both in one individual. He brings enthusiasm, humour and determination to a challenging role leading multi-disciplined teams working on complex rail infrastructure projects. I have learnt a lot from Ally over the past couple of years and it's a pleasure to work with him.“
“I have worked with Ally over the last year and have been really impressed by his passion and drive for the Northumberland Line project and the impact that good efficient design has on the overall scheme and in particular its impact upon landowners affected. Working in a Multi-Disciplinary team can have its challenges but when team members have Ally's approach tasks become very productive and enjoyable and you know that a positive outcome is more likely.
Ally would be a great representative to win this award and would be an ideal role model for newcomers to the industry“
“Having worked under Alasdair on current project I found he has always been a very enthusiastic & professional individual to deal with, with an exceptional accommodating manner when approached for advice. During the development of current project he has advised the design team in a very knowledgeable way when we posed various issues regarding design/software queries.“
“I have worked with Alasdair for the last 3 years on the Northumberland Line project (on which I lead the land, consents and environment disciplines). Ally has the upmost respect of all the colleagues on the project - both professionally and personally. He has a great skill in being able to communicate complex engineering challenges in a very user friendly way and can quickly arrive at a solution that would be beyond most of his peers. He has an acute sense of perspective and can think outside of the box - attributes which have been key to Northumberland Line whose success to date is heavily indebted to Alasdair’s skills and commitment.“
“As Network Rail are one of the key clients on the design and delivery of the Northumberland Line, as Principal Programme Sponsor, Alasdair receives my nomination because of tenacity, behaviours, attention to detail and , above all, puts the needs / requirements of the Client at the forefront of decision making. He has truly led by example in the way he collaboratively works, seeks efficient engineering constantly and works to the ethos of minimum viable product through challenge and dialogue. He would be a very worthy recipient of the award.“
“I have worked closely with Alasdair on the Northumberland Line project for the last couple of years, handing over leadership of the engineering design to him for the Options development stage. Right from the start, Alasdair demonstrated a high degree of intelligence, inquisitiveness, professionalism and humility. He quickly grasped the core issues, and led the multidisciplinary team through the development and analysis of a wide range of sub-options at each of the six stations and the track sections between. Always ready to learn, Alasdair is willing to ask pertinent questions, challenge when appropriate, and make clear decisions at the right time. He is a leader, willing to trust those within his team and lean on their expertise, but also a team player, willing to muck in and help get the hard work done to deliver to deadlines.
Through the course of the politically very high-profile Northumberland Line project, Alasdair has brilliantly accommodated the external scrutiny from Network Rail, DfT, and Number 10, responding to continual challenges to drive savings with positivity and always putting his client's needs front and foremost. Alasdair exemplifies a rail engineer with a passion for high quality, solid professionalism, and successful delivery of a unique scheme that will transform the lives of tens of thousands of people locally.“
“I've had the pleasure of working with Ally for nearly 15 years on a variety of railway projects. He is a consummate professional and it’s been great to see Ally gaining the recognition he thoroughly deserves through the wonderful work he and the team have been delivering on Northumberland“
“Congratulations on putting on a superb show. We enjoyed it very much and the company on our table gelled very well.”
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