Paul

What is your role at the ODA?
My role includes project managing, dealing with facilities management, health and safety, security, emergency evacuation, and business continuity planning and issues. The ODA is a time-limited organisation and will be wound down after the 2012 Games, so I will need to plan the decommissioning of the office premises, disposal of furniture and equipment.

What is your background?
Over the past five years I have worked on several project management assignments. Prior to that I spent around 17 years in various local government roles, so when a role to project manage the relocation of the ODA from St. Katherine Docks and manage the logistics, installation of IT/communications etc within very tight timescales, as well as ensuring the smooth co-location with LOCOG, I felt confident I was right for the role. And the ODA agreed, too – so here I am!

Describe a typical day?
Every day is different – that’s what makes the job so interesting. The ODA is a growing/changing organisation. I’m constantly reviewing current and future accommodation requirements, and scouting areas for suitable options to meet potential needs, and undertaking cost analyses and feasibility studies.

What is your favourite aspect of the role?
I get a great deal of satisfaction when I have been given a blank canvas and I am asked to fit out the office to meet business needs, I love the creativity it allows me, while it also means that I have to keep within the budget and ensure that it is all fit for purpose.

What inspired you to join the 2012 team?
I actually stumbled upon the job, but now that I am here I’m enjoying working on the biggest and most complex project I have ever been involved with. I can’t wait until the Games start when half the world will be buzzing around London town!