ABOUT

Tell us who you are!

My name is Adam Patel, I am 27 years old and I work for Network Rail as a Scheme Interface Manager.

So what do you actually do?

The role of a Scheme Interface Manager is to ensure that all works are carried out by Outside Party clients near the railway (approx 10m distance) - whether it is a residential building development, surveys or examination.

The clients need to make sure they are in close contact with Network Rail in order to ensure the works are safe and completed according to correct governance. My job is to create a contract agreement between National Rail and the client to carry out these works.

The client submits their plans of how they carry out the work and I ensure the document is fit for purpose and safe to accept.

What has your career path been?

I started off as a project management apprentice - an apprenticeship which lasted 2 years. Through hard work I was offered a role as a Project Management Assistant working on delivering the best service for our customers. In this role I was dealing with replacement, and the strengthening and refurbishment of Network Rail bridges.

Having limited amount of time to complete these works, we face a lot of obstacles to try and carry out these works in time to the best quality and within budget. Projects never go smoothly which is why our roles are to manage the projects throughout its lifecycle.

What is the best part of your job?

No day is the same day, however my favourite part is to go out on site and see the works being carried out according to the safety documents delivered.

Why do you do your job?

One reason is to provide for my family.

Another reason is because I enjoy the interaction between the client and Network Rail. It is always intriguing to have a relationship and interact with people. And to travel around London and gaining knowledge whilst you're at work.

Another reason is to actually experience the world of construction and how a client needs to think of all aspects before even laying the first brick. As a youngster I always wondered how people could build buildings in such limited spaces. Now I am privileged to work with a company who can give me the experience.

One piece of advice for someone starting in your role?

Always listen and have a close relationship with a colleague who has experience in the role in order to carry out the role to the best of your ability.

Check out Adam’s Instagram below!

DAY IN THE LIFE

So a day to day life consists of reviewing all emails sent the night before and responding to any that need to be responded to.

I then look through my notes and see the tasks that need to be carried out. As a Scheme Interface Manager we get given a portfolio of works to manage. In my portfolio I have around 80 projects. Some are under the ‘beginning’ phase. I.e. clients explaining the works to Network Rail, what they propose to do and how it can benefit Network Rail upon project completion.

Some are under design phases which means the client submits design documents for Network Rail to review and see whether the proposed design is safe for construction as well as fit for purpose. Some are already under construction and lastly some are within close out phase. My job is to ensure that I get daily updates of all projects undertaken by emailing all clients to see what stages we are in the project.

I also draft up 3 contracts daily for the new parties who wish to carry out works, having an agreement with Network Rail to carry out works, how much it will cost the clients for Network Rail services etc.

In construction phases some projects may need to use the railway, so I need to book possessions for the clients. Possessions are basically when works need to happen on tracks, we need to ensure there are no trains to be live within that route during the time frame requested for the works (usually Friday night 2300 to Monday morning 0430).