Meet Ollie, our head of process engineering and President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
In addition to his role as head of process engineering at Costain, Ollie is co-founder of the Association of Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers. He graduated with a BEng in chemical process engineering with fuel technology from the University of Sheffield in 1999 and then earned a PhD in the environmental impact of fuels combustion from the University of Leeds in 2002, authoring five international publications in the field of combustion and engineering. Ollie is also a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
What led you to a career at Costain?
"I had been familiar with Costain for many years, and knew a number of people at Costain. . A friend brought to my attention a LinkedIn opportunity for a role similar to my position at Optimus Plus, part of the PD&MS Group, and encouraged me to apply.
"My interview experience left a positive impression due to the diverse range of work available and the clear potential for growth as both a technical expert and a people-oriented leader. I also noted the significant number of employees who had been with the business for many years, which further solidified my interest.
"I ultimately joined Costain based on its reputation for sound engineering and its commitment to providing opportunities for professional development and advancement."
How does your role contribute to improving people’s lives?
"I often say that engineers are the midwives of sustainability; none of the UN’s sustainable development goals can be delivered without us. As head of process engineering, my primary focus is on designing and modifying systems that enhance production, ensure safety, and maintain access to essential resources for daily life. Innovation is paramount to our objectives, and through successful initiatives in extending the lifespan of aging plants, decarbonising energy production, and developing green technologies, I, along with my colleagues in Costain’s engineering services team, am actively contributing to energy security, affordability, and the energy transition, all of which are directly linked to sustainable development and thriving societies."
What’s your biggest professional achievement and why?
"It's not just a singular moment that stands out to me; rather, it's the culmination of a series of significant growth steps that have shaped my journey. Each experience has contributed to my ability to deliver on a wide range of engineering projects in power generation, in gas processing, refining, offshore production and process and more recently with green projects."
What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?
"I greatly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with my team members, each of whom contributes their distinct perspectives and talents. I am also grateful for the supportive colleagues within the company who consistently offer valuable advice and assistance."
What have you learned during your time at Costain?
"Costain is a company that values everyone and is dedicated to exploring everyone's potential. Senior leaders understand the importance of investing time in their people, recognising that a rising tide lifts all boats. When everyone truly maximises their potential, it benefits the entire organisation."
What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?
"Success is as much about the 5-9 as it is about the 9-5."
Connect with Ollie on LinkedIn or search our careers page to learn about our current job opportunities.