Job Spotlight: Mark Beard, managing director, Beard Construction

Beard Construction boss Mark Beard talks through the challenges of his job.

Vital stats

• Name: Mark Beard
• Company: Beard
• Job: Managing director
• Key qualifications: Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building

What's it like working as managing director of Beard?

It's fun but it can be challenging too. It's definitely more straight forward for us than other medium-sized construction companies, because of our strong Oxford and Swindon roots and our highly motivated work force, many of whom have been with us for years.

What's the best thing about working as a managing director?

I particularly enjoy seeing all the young people who have joined Beard over the last 20 years develop into confident and highly successful managers and leaders.

And the worst?

Having to let fellow directors and staff make mistakes, when the temptation is to jump in and personally resolve the problem.

What sort of person is best suited to this job?

An individual who can form a clear view of how to shape the future, who also possesses the skills and drive to turn this vision into reality, yet who is still approachable.

What qualifications do you need?

You tell me, but Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Building and active learning at Henley Business School have held me in good stead.

Do many women work in the sector?

A few, and those that we have are very bright and effective.

Describe a typical day.

An internal focus group meeting, followed by a few telephone calls, a few too many emails regarding a site visit, then a business review meeting. I try to fit in a game of real tennis on the new court we have just constructed at Radley College, then finally home to bath our new baby boy and two year old daughter, before putting them to bed.

What was your favourite job?

My favourite job was being the site-based surveyor for Rider Hunt on the new development at Manley Wharf in Sydney 20 years ago - arriving at work by ferry takes some beating.

What's the typical starting salary for graduates?

It's around £20,000 plus benefits.

What can you expect after 10 years?

A fair few more challenges, but also much fun. We will be opening a new office in Guildford in the new year, this venture will take up quite a lot of my time. Longer term I expect we will open further new offices. I am currently involved with various industry and wider commercial organisations and in the longer term I expect to spend a greater proportion on my working time in voluntary and non-executive roles.

What's a typical career path?

A decade in operational management, followed by running a business unit, which if successful is a good platform to step up to business leader position.