Suzan Talley, Vice President of Operations for the SE Region of the USA, is a specialist in project management and controls for Gleeds’ industrial and commercial projects.
Suzan's responsibilities include leadership, mentorship, project oversight, client relationship management, and operational management. Suzan holds accountability for project profitability, actively monitoring performance and implementing optimisation strategies. Suzan's involvement extends beyond project execution; she also plays a crucial role in driving business development efforts, fostering relationships with prospective clients, and nurturing existing client partnerships throughout and beyond project lifecycles. Her contributions are instrumental during the planning phase of large projects, aiming to equip project management staff with necessary strategies for project control standards.
Her background in architecture and experience as Construction Project Manager equip her with a unique interdisciplinary perspective, finding satisfaction in leveraging her leadership and problem-solving skills. Building strong relationships within project teams and with clients is not only a necessity but a source of fulfilment. Suzan believes in shared responsibility, accountability, and attention to detail, fostering a supportive and efficient work environment where everyone is empowered to do their best, curating relationships built on trust, and expertise. She highlights one of her proudest accomplishments with Gleeds as leading a complex project for a prominent luxury automotive brand, leveraging her bilingual skills in German and English to bridge cultural gaps and turn it into a success story.
Suzan's decision to study architecture was influenced by her admiration for a successful female relative in the field and natural industry interest. Despite starting her career as an architect, completing her graduate degree in Construction Management revealed her true passion for the construction and execution aspects of projects.
Outside of work, Suzan finds joy in spending quality time with her family and friends. She loves animals and dedicates herself to caring for her own rescued pets, as well as volunteering at pet shelters alongside her colleagues at Gleeds. She’s also a keen traveller, taking in the architecture and natural beauty of new places.
For newcomers to the industry, Suzan advises to gain hands-on experience on construction sites, witnessing the process first-hand to build a solid foundation for assuming project management, cost, and project control responsibilities.