Rebecca Murphy

After working on major infrastructure projects and spending over a decade in the Middle East’s oil and gas sector, Rebecca Murphy is now spearheading the dynamic evolution of nuclear developments in the UK, exemplifying Mace’s commitment to tackle complex engineering challenges

How did you get into what you do?

My career began at university, where I studied civil engineering and geology, initially with an interest in going into earthquake proofing. However, after university I ended up going into a microtunnelling role with Southern Water, which led me to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) and the exciting world of major infrastructure projects. I was privileged to work on the first high-speed rail in the UK, where I gained a lot of valuable experience, both in terms of the building process, including construction and commissioning, and then its long-term management. A bit later, I was offered the opportunity to work on fascinating oil and gas projects in the Middle East, including shipyard construction for over a decade. I ended up moving there and it was an adventure to say the least! 

How did your time in the Middle East shape your career?

When I first arrived in the Middle East, I experienced a massive culture shock, but once everything settled down and I acclimatised, I loved it. I enjoyed the challenge of learning a new industry, having transitioned from working within the rail industry to oil and gas. It offered me a chance to expand my horizons by acquiring new skills and knowledge. I have also been lucky to have the opportunity to work alongside my husband on several major infrastructure projects. 

When I came back to the UK, I was offered the chance to increase my skill set further through managing completions in the nuclear sector for Mace. This role really excited me as it was something new that I hadn’t been involved in as much while I was in the Middle East. I quickly got stuck in and took the bull by the horns and now I manage the Completions, Documents and Records team on site at a nuclear new build.

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

What I enjoy most is the thrill of directly influencing Mace’s trajectory, particularly in the nuclear sector. It's so exciting to be at the forefront, helping pave the way for the future of nuclear projects like Sizewell C and SMRs. 

I also love the challenge of aligning our goals with those of our clients and ensuring our nuclear expertise is both recognised and leveraged. Together, we find solutions to problems to support the project’s delivery. It’s a bit like being on a roller coaster – the constant ups and downs keep me on my toes!

One thing I’m really enjoying at the moment is building up our team and ensuring they feel integrated. It can sometimes be harder to feel connected to the wider Mace team when embedded within the client’s organisation and we have been working hard to make sure we have that connection as a team and that everyone in the wider Mace world understands what’s going on down here on the ground. As part of this, we’ve made sure that members of the team are involved in a number of volunteering opportunities, so it gives our team, which is usually spread out across various locations throughout the entire project, the opportunity be together.  

Why Mace?

Mace is special because it embraces the projects that others find too tricky or daunting. What truly sets us apart is our unique blend of consulting and contracting capabilities, which allows us to tackle complex projects head-on. This is incredibly appealing for engineers like me; it’s like being in the thick of a puzzle that you are trying to complete that’s constantly evolving. 

What motivates you every day?

Every day for me is like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates – I never know what I’m going to get! The constant challenges and puzzles to solve keep me motivated. I love the diversity and complexity of the projects we handle, and working alongside an incredible team. Sure, there are tough days, but the sense of accomplishment at the end of the day makes it all worthwhile. It’s full-on and intense, but when I look back at what we’ve achieved, it’s immensely satisfying.

Working with my team is another thing that motivates me every day, both on the Mace side and also on the client side. There is such complexity involved in what we do and it’s so rewarding to see the impact that we are having. 

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

To excel in my role, you need a hefty dose of leadership skills, tenacity, emotional intelligence, problem solving skills and energy. I need to provide direction and support to my teams to drive the delivery of project milestones and overcome professional challenge. Diplomacy, determination and organisation are also key – sometimes you have to take a step back, think things through, and approach situations with a calm, logical and thoughtful mindset, or from a different viewpoint, to ensure we achieve the end aim. Finally, innovation and prioritisation are also crucial. It’s about keeping your eye on the end goal and not getting distracted by the noise. Oh, and of course, a good sense of humour helps! 

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I am always busy doing something. My husband hates it, but I just can’t sit still. I love puzzles, baking (I’m known for my cakes), and sports. Swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, dancing, walking and running are my go-to activities. I’ve only recently taken up running and now clock between 30 - 40 kilometres a week. I throw myself into everything with passion and full commitment – if I’m in, I’m all in! My family often jokes about my endless energy, but it’s just how I am; I wake up ready to tackle the day, and I love every minute of it.