Working together on challenging projects
Peter Jongeneel has worked at Ballast Nedam West for more than 25 years. He started as a work planner and progressed to become a Senior Project Manager. In this role, he is responsible for large, challenging construction projects. The variety, collaboration with colleagues and opportunities for personal development mean that he still enjoys working here after all these years.
How did you come to join Ballast Nedam?
‘Before this, I worked as a buyer at another construction company. I studied Architectural Engineering and Industrial Engineering and Management and wanted to focus more on the technical side of construction. That is why I started looking for a role in work planning. In November 1999, I was able to join Ballast Nedam West in Capelle aan den IJssel as a work planner.’
‘Before this, I worked as a buyer at another construction company. I studied Architectural Engineering and Industrial Engineering and Management and wanted to focus more on the technical side of construction. That is why I started looking for a role in work planning. In November 1999, I was able to join Ballast Nedam West in Capelle aan den IJssel as a work planner.’
How did your career develop after that?
‘I started out on smaller projects and then moved on to increasingly larger projects, where I also managed several teams. After 7 or 8 years I wanted to progress to Project Manager and was given that opportunity. I am now a Senior Project Manager. If you show that you are capable and keen to do more, you have the opportunity to take the next steps here.’
What exactly does your role as Senior Project Manager involve?
‘As Project Manager, you have overall responsibility for planning, finances and procurement, and you lead the team. Together with the Site Manager or Chief Site Supervisor and the Head of Work Planning, I ensure that the project is well organised. I now take more of an overarching view, but I still enjoy exchanging ideas with work planners and site managers. We keep each other sharp.’
Which project are you most proud of?
‘Jonas in Amsterdam immediately comes to mind, a BREEAM Outstanding project that has won several architecture awards. It was very distinctive, both inside and out, featuring extensive use of timber, a zinc façade, a roof terrace and a skylight with water flowing over it. We also recently completed the first phase of the Cartesius development, comprising 242 apartments, 4 residential towers and 25 villas. These are impressive, long-term projects. It is still rewarding to work together to create a development from an empty site where people may enjoy living for the next 50 years.’
‘Jonas in Amsterdam immediately comes to mind, a BREEAM Outstanding project that has won several architecture awards. It was very distinctive, both inside and out, featuring extensive use of timber, a zinc façade, a roof terrace and a skylight with water flowing over it. We also recently completed the first phase of the Cartesius development, comprising 242 apartments, 4 residential towers and 25 villas. These are impressive, long-term projects. It is still rewarding to work together to create a development from an empty site where people may enjoy living for the next 50 years.’
How would you describe the collaboration within Ballast Nedam West?
‘A positive atmosphere within the team is very important to me. When people are willing to support one another, they also notice when someone has too much on their plate. That is when they can work together to help. People are given the freedom to take on challenges and come up with solutions. I really value that team spirit and the scope to use your own initiative.’
What keeps the work challenging after all these years?
‘Every project brings something new. Façade technologies are changing, sustainability is becoming increasingly important, and new materials and installation methods are being introduced. For people who are eager to keep learning, that creates plenty of opportunities. And if you are driven and solution-oriented, Ballast Nedam offers a lot of room to grow and develop further.’
Are you also interested in working at Ballast Nedam?
At Ballast Nedam, you can develop and become a little better every day. In the Netherlands and abroad. Together with our colleagues, we are committed to a future-proof living environment. Will you join our team to contribute to this?
