Mary Osuagwu – Career Spotlight
– Operations Director
Mary has climbed the ranks from trainee Quantity Surveyor (QS) to Operations Director, proving firsthand how to become an Operations Director for the infrastructure industry; all while secretly dreaming of being a stand-up comedian. This is the journey of a professional who’s spent years building projects and networks in the infrastructure industry. Proof that the sky’s the limit when you push through, enjoy the journey, and build a lasting legacy.
Tell us about your career journey to date.
How much time have you got?!
So, I originally studied interior design – but I absolutely hated it! My flatmate at the time was studying Quantity Surveying (QS), and he told me to switch. I had no idea what a QS was, and he said, “you just count bricks and get paid loads of money.” I was sold! In the first year, I switched courses, became a trainee QS almost 20 years ago, and started my career from there.
As I progressed from trainee QS to manager-level roles, it was incredibly challenging. I was studying part-time for my Quantity Surveying degree while also navigating life – I became a mother for the first time during that period. Balancing work, studying, and personal life was tough, but I pushed through.
What excited me was being part of projects where I could actually see something being built – it was tangible, real. As a fresh QS, I was also intrigued by working in a male-dominated industry. Now, that might sound strange, but I grew up with lots of brothers, so I naturally felt comfortable in that kind of environment.
One thing I’ve always loved about the infrastructure industry is working with clients and stakeholders. Problem-solving excites me, so when an opportunity came up to transition from QS into project management, I jumped at it. It felt like a natural fit because of my strengths in stakeholder management and my love for structured, process-driven work. Eventually, I moved into leadership and team management, and that’s where I truly thrived. I focus on people and love helping others develop their careers. For me, leadership isn’t just about strategy – it’s about bringing the best out of people.
Which project stands out the most for you?
One of the best projects I’ve worked on was the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station. As someone who has always been passionate about making a real impact, this project genuinely made a difference, not only to me but to the people living in and around Birmingham.
What made it particularly exciting was that it was an operational train station while the development was taking place, so we had to balance the ongoing functionality of the station with the construction work. This came with a lot of challenges, especially with scrutiny from customers and stakeholders.
Regularly I use the train station, and every time I do, I feel a huge sense of pride. That project alone was the start of a significant amount of investment in the area, boosting Birmingham’s economy.
I’ve witnessed the transformation in Birmingham since then, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know I was part of that change.
What has been a challenging project you’ve worked on, and why?
Would say the HS2 project in the Midlands. While the main objective was to build a new railway line, for me, it was really a masterclass in stakeholder management within the infrastructure industry. The scale of the project was massive – enormous, really – but the challenge wasn’t just the size but the constant interface with stakeholders and the public. It was really complex, with lots of moving parts to balance, but every day brought something new, which kept it exciting.
Had the opportunity to work with an incredible team, including HS2 staff, consultants, contractors, and community stakeholders. We all came together, but the political aspect made it a bit more difficult. The project was under a lot of scrutiny and, depending on the government in power, it was either a project they fully supported or one they tried to undermine. Despite this, the project was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it taught me so much. The skills I gained from working on HS2 have been crucial to the rest of my career, especially when it comes to problem-solving in complex environments.
What has been your favourite project to work on, and why?
One of my favourite projects was working with the Environment Agency leading a team to deliver a significant Capital programme of flood alleviation schemes. For me, this programme meant a lot because it aligned with my desire to leave a legacy – not just for our clients, but for the communities we work in and, more importantly, for the environment.
I’ve always wanted to be a part of leaving the planet in a better place for future generations, and these projects gave me the opportunity to do that. Being part of initiatives that directly impacted the environment and helped protect communities from flooding was so fulfilling.
It wasn’t just about the work itself; it was about knowing that, long after the programme would be delivered, the positive impact would continue for years to come.
What has been a defining moment of your career?
That’s a tough question. I wouldn’t say there was one single defining moment, but a recent achievement for me was FINALLY completing my chartership. I had procrastinated for years because I was just so busy. But the moment I finally took the time to focus on myself and invest in my own development, it was huge. In my career, I’ve often been focused on investing in my clients and the people around me, but being able to take a step back and prioritise my own growth was really important. When I completed it, I remember thinking, “why didn’t I do this sooner?”
Another defining moment for me was moving into leadership roles and team management. I’ve always been people-focused, and when I transitioned into those roles, I felt like it gave me the opportunity to give back – to elevate, motivate, and inspire others. It was all about using my journey to break down barriers and open doors for the future generations coming through.
Did you always want to be a Director? If you weren’t, what would you be doing?
I’ve always been drawn to creativity, so if I hadn’t become an operations director, I know I’d still be doing something artistic. Design has always been a passion of mine, and I could easily see myself as an interior designer or working in a similar creative field.
But if I’m being honest, my real dream? Stand-up comedy. Without a doubt. I’ve always loved making people laugh, and the idea of getting up on stage and telling jokes has been in the back of my mind for as long as I can remember. One day, I’d love to step onto an open mic stage, grab the mic, and give it a shot. Who knows, maybe I will!
That said, I think humour plays a huge role in my career. Some of the complex projects I’ve worked on in the infrastructure industry would be impossible to navigate without a bit of lightheartedness. . In fact, I’ve found that weaving playful humour into my leadership style has helped set the tone for a strong team culture. It keeps the energy up, makes challenges feel more manageable, and brings people together. A good laugh can be just as powerful as a good strategy!
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
If I was starting off in the industry, one of the most important things I’d focus on is building a network. It’s something you don’t always realise right away, but it’s so crucial. Whether that’s through LinkedIn, attending networking events, or just connecting with others in your industry, it’s key.
Networking is really about building a village – a group of people you can lean on for advice, knowledge, and keeping up to date with industry trends. If I could go back, I would have started networking much earlier.
My final piece of advice is that the sky’s the limit. Don’t set mental barriers for yourself. Keep pushing, work hard, and believe in your ability to achieve. You can be whatever you want to be if you set your mind to it.
To find out more about Soben’s consultancy services in the Infrastructure Industry in EMEA you can contact Mary on the details below:
Operations Director
