Meet our team > Scott Bracey, Project Manager

We celebrate our successes, especially when it comes to our people. Our people are essential to who we are and why we do what we do. Scott Bracey is one of our talented Project Managers from New Zealand, his path to project management has been quite an interesting and super one!

Scott graduated from UNITEC with a Bachelor of Applied Technology, majoring in Marine Engineering. From there, Scott began his career in Marine Design with Auckland-based Manson Anchors, Bowmaster and Manson Marine. Some of the boats he has worked on are certainly impressive, from speed boats to superyachts. Scott spent three years leading design teams working on significant marine projects before transitioning into a project management role for the above companies.

Scott’s calm and collected with a great sense of humour. His capable demeanour puts clients and suppliers at ease. He’s a bit of a star on our Auckland 7-a-side footy team. We interviewed Scott to find a bit more about his work and what drives him.

 What first attracted you to work for the company?

The people and culture here are fantastic. The projects we work on are diverse and interesting. There’s a clear growth strategy in place, and not just within New Zealand. Xigo’s recent partnership with TSA Management means we have opportunities to collaborate with our new cousins across the Tasman.

What led you to join the company?

I was previously working for a marine engineering company who specialised in stainless steel fabrication for superyachts, as well as aluminium fabrication for a lot of marinas around the country. It was a great industry to be in and I had some fantastic opportunities. I attended the Monaco Superyacht Show, and let me tell you, that was an experience. I’ve also been to other trade shows around the world. Whilst it was awesome to work on such amazing vessels, there was limited career growth, and so I decided to try and transition the skills I had adopted into a whole other industry. I was introduced to Xigo (now TSA New Zealand) through a recruitment agency, and almost immediately I was struck by the opportunity and the welcoming environment.

What do you find most challenging about your role?

No one day is the same as another. I’m learning and developing professionally and being challenged daily. There’s always a new challenge and you constantly need to adapt and learn on the spot.

What do you see on the horizon for your type of work?

I think pre-fabrication use is going to become more and more prominent. It’s something the industry seems to be a bit hesitant about at this stage but once the benefits are fully understood we will no doubt see a big take up. I know that some projects in Australia are starting to use pre-fabricated modular designs in some of their projects; it’s only a matter of time before it’s incorporated into more and more projects, especially for remote works.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out as a project manager?

Just take the time to understand the processes involved at each stage of a project. Be sure to ask a lot of questions of those who have the experience. There’s so much you can learn from them.

What are the skills you need to have in order to do the work you’re doing?

Like most projects we are involved in, you need good people skills. Being able to get the best out of a team and understanding what makes each individual tick is important.

What are three lessons you’ve learnt in your career so far?

Picking up the phone always gets the best response. Put yourself in uncomfortable positions because it’s the best way to learn and develop. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, then it’s time to move on.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

The time I spent time contracted to Auckland Rugby.

What’s on your wish list for the next five years?

I would like a house, dog and to travel. Although not necessarily in that order.

What inspires you?

Family, without a doubt.

What do you work towards in your free time?

I spend a tonne of time in or on the water. I like to surf, free dive and go fishing. I’m also finding myself on the golf course a lot more these days, usually when there’s no swell.

How do you define success?

Enjoying what you do and being the best at what you do.

If you were a wrestler, what would be your entrance theme song?

Can’t Stop by Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

At the moment, Scott is working on the Mission HomeGround Project for Auckland City Mission, which is a charitable organisation providing both health and social support facilities for some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable communities. The Project will deliver a new 12,000m2 development with 80 accommodation units as well as wrap around support services for those on the social housing register.

Scott’s role as project manager has included consultant procurement, design management, contractor procurement, stakeholder management and construction management. A key turning point was reaching the final budget hurdle. As a charitable organisation, The Auckland City Mission needed to raise a significant amount of money in order for works to commence and in November 2018 a total of $74.4M was reached Progressing works on site has been a rewarding start for a project that has been in the making for some time. For Scott, he enjoys working on a project that provides so much to the community.

Mission HomeGround is still a fair way off it’s $90 million goal for the project. To donate, click here.