Darren Nock

With over 35 years of experience in the rail industry, Darren Nock brings unparalleled problem-solving skills and a thirst for innovation to his role at Mace. From engineering studies to leading major projects, he is passionate about making rail systems more efficient and reliable, always keeping the end user in mind.

How did you get into what you do?

I guess you could say I was destined for the rails! My dad was a conductor guard on trains with British Rail and, back in those days, it was pretty common for sons to follow in their father's footsteps. So, straight out of school, I jumped into a trainee role with British Rail, and I’ve never looked back. That was 35 years ago and, wow, what a journey it's been. My engineering studies gave me a knack for problem-solving, and I love figuring out how to make things run smoother and faster. Working originally in the design office and then in the challenging trackside environment at the start of my career helped me understand and translate what we designed into how it should and could work.

I've always been a bit of a go-getter, constantly thinking about how we can make things better. Whether it was shaving a couple of minutes off a train journey or improving signal efficiency, I knew that every little bit helped our passengers. Whilst working at Network Rail, I had the chance to team up with Mace on several projects. I was always impressed by the value they added, making my decision to join them a no-brainer.

So here I am at Mace, continuing to pursue my passion for rail and transportation, always keeping the end user in mind, and loving every minute of it. 

What do you enjoy most about your current role at Mace?

It's all about the people! I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such a brilliant, supportive, and driven team. Everyone is moving in the same direction. It's inspiring to witness the breadth of knowledge and experience that each team member brings to the table.

But it's not just about the expertise; it's also about the camaraderie and the opportunity to support each other's growth. Seeing my colleagues flourish and develop professionally is incredibly rewarding. At Mace, we celebrate each other's successes and empower one another to reach new heights. It's really not just a job; it's more like a community. Being able to support colleagues with my own experiences as an electrical engineer with a specialism in railway signalling and supporting clients with my broader experience of leading & managing programmes and portfolios is very fulfilling.

Why Mace?

Choosing Mace was an easy decision because our values just clicked. I could sense the passion for growth and delivering unique value permeating through everything, even if it wasn’t always shouted from the rooftops.

What really drew me in was Mace’s emphasis on building strong connections and helping each other grow. It felt like the stars aligned – the perfect fit at the perfect time. Working at Mace continues to be an exciting journey where I can thrive alongside a team that shares my values and ambitions and delivers distinctive value for clients.

What motivates you everyday?

My proudest achievement at Mace so far has been a blend of winning key frameworks and leading significant projects. Being part of bid teams that secured major contracts with Network Rail has been incredibly satisfying, as it gives us the chance to deliver outstanding work for our clients.

Mace also brings a global dimension to my role that keeps me on my toes. Starting out in the UK rail sector and now finding myself working in Ireland on Dublin MetroLink - it’s a testament to Mace’s expansive reach. We have been laying the groundwork for success by handling all the early development work, which is crucial for ensuring a safe, efficient, and sustainable delivery once the project kicks off. Our team is providing comprehensive project and programme management, construction management, and health, safety and wellbeing oversight. This sets us up for long-term success and demonstrates our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our work.

Not many places offer such a dynamic blend of local insight and global opportunities like Mace does. It's what keeps me inspired and eager to tackle new challenges every day!

What skills do you need to be good at your job?

To excel in my role, a blend of interpersonal skills, negotiation prowess, and a passion for client support is essential. The heart of my job is helping clients achieve their dreams, showcasing the incredible talents and capabilities of our team. Although I'm a massive introvert and big events can push me out of my comfort zone, Mace has been fantastic in supporting my growth and confidence in these areas.

Building rapport and trust with stakeholders is crucial. This involves not just developing relationships but owning them. It’s about finding common ground and creating a foundation of mutual respect and understanding.

If you hadn’t got into this line of work what do you think you might be doing?

I know exactly what I’d be doing – I’d be a plumber! Plumbing is a real passion of mine. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creative pipe work and the challenge of ensuring everything is leak-free.

I discovered this passion almost 20 years ago when I refitted a sink in my old house. Since then, I’ve tackled numerous plumbing projects in my new house, from installing radiators and showers to the less glamorous task of fixing toilets. Radiators, in particular, are my favourite. There’s a certain perfection in getting everything just right, and I find immense satisfaction in that.

So, if I wasn’t in my current role, you’d likely find me happily installing perfectly formed pipework and ensuring everything flows smoothly as a dedicated plumber.