Meet Richard Paddey, our customer and community lead in our roads sector.
Richard joined Costain after 20 years in the public sector.
What led you to your career at Costain?
"Having enjoyed a career in the public sector for more than 20 years, where I held roles with both the NHS and the police, I wanted to pursue a new challenge that still meant I could work with the community.
"I had always worked in customer and community-facing environments, and I wanted to use my skills and experience to help make a real difference in a new environment. Whether it’s building a new road or making the UK’s water systems more resilient, Costain helps improve people’s lives through its work, which is why it was the perfect choice.
"12 years on, I can say that was the right decision. I have enjoyed every minute of my time here at Costain and look forward to the future within this great business.
"Community is very important to me and it’s great that I’ve found a profession that aligns with my values. In my personal life, I’m a trustee at the National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield, and I’m also a trustee for the Victoria Cross Trust, which works tirelessly to ensure the memory and graves of every recipient of the Victoria Cross are remembered and maintained for generations to come."
How does your role contribute to improving people’s lives?
"I’m extremely proud to head up the customer and community team within Costain’s roads sector. Having the ability to improve people’s lives and create positive legacy in the areas that we operate is a real privilege to me, personally, and professionally.
"From one-off gestures of good will to structured long-term community initiatives, my team and I work hard to make a real difference for our customers and the communities we serve. It’s rewarding to know that you are making a difference through your job and the recognition from the public and our customers makes it all worthwhile.
"Our commitment to our customers and the community is well documented and aligns with our vision of creating connected, sustainable infrastructure enabling people and the planet to thrive."
What’s your biggest professional achievement and why?
"National Highways, supported by the Connected Places Catapult, launched a competition to identify innovative technologies designed to improve people’s experiences of roadworks. Being part of the project board and mentoring a group of outstanding specialist and technical experts was a privilege that showed how complex, often intangible infrastructure problems can be solved with a clever blend of cutting-edge technology and deep industry knowledge.
"At the top of the list, however, would be transforming the life of one very special person with autism. Not only has this intervention completely changed the future for this individual, but it’s also provided hope to thousands of other families in similar situations."
What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?
"I’m immensely proud to work for Costain, which really does care about its people, its customers, and the communities it serves.
"Being surrounded by incredibly talented and like-minded professionals who really want to make a difference is fantastic, and the opportunities to develop and progress are outstanding.
"Costain actively encourages people to push the boundaries to shape, create and deliver pioneering solutions, and that’s exactly what my team and I feel empowered to do every day! "
What has inspired you during your time at Costain?
"Since joining Costain, I don’t think a single day has passed by without me feeling inspired by those around me.
"Our teams are truly remarkable, from those setting out in early careers roles right through to our senior leadership team and exec board.
"Costain has a ‘one team’ approach, with a fantastic culture, and a desire to ‘do the right thing’, which fits perfectly with my personal and professional values."
What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?
"It’s important to focus on what experiences and capability you can bring to the role and not the job title or industry you are coming from. Your career is all about you! It’s about following your dreams and doing what motivates you, and the only person that can make that happen is you. Be the best version of yourself, believe in your abilities and remember, everyone started somewhere!
"Be curious, and never be afraid of asking questions, or making mistakes - we’re all human!
"Good luck, own your future, and enjoy the adventure!"
Connect with Richard on LinkedIn or search our careers page to learn about our current job opportunities.