CIOB crowns UK’s top construction manager

Dennis Wilson, Operations Manager for Lend Lease, has been awarded with the prestigious Construction Manager of the Year 2015 accolade in recognition of his exemplary performance during the National Theatre’s exacting £48M redevelopment.

Competing against many of the UK’s most talented construction professionals, Dennis beat 69 fellow finalists and nine gold medalists to the much-coveted industry trophy.

Organised by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Construction Manager of the Year Awards (CMYA) are unique in that they celebrate individuals working within the built environment sector rather than the organisations they belong to.

Dennis demonstrated his leadership capabilities during the NT Future project – a comprehensive remodelling of the National Theatre’s production and performance spaces, and re-imagining of its public areas – ensuring that the iconic Grade II* listed theatre remained fully operational throughout its three year transformation.

Innovative methods of piling and demolition were implemented as part of a concerted effort to minimise noise pollution and potential disruption to theatregoers, while a staggered programme of migration enabled the theatre to decant its departments into different areas during the projects numerous phases. This agile management approach would prove instrumental to the project’s success.

Of Dennis’s versatile management style, Lisa Burger – Executive Director of the National Theatre – said: “Dennis was a pillar of strength throughout the construction period. Consistently calm under immense pressure, he was never confrontational and constantly looking for a solution. He was always able to see the bigger picture and focus on our project goals and vision.”

Chris Blythe, Chief Executive at the CIOB, said: “The NT Future project was fiendishly complex, with surprises that could have sunk a lesser team, but Dennis’ five star performance and outstanding leadership mark him out as one of the most tenacious, versatile and talented leaders working in construction today.

“Winning this coveted trophy earns Dennis a place in history and on the CMYA roll of honour. He is an inspiration to all who work with him and will be an incredibly difficult act to follow.”

Chris Blythe added: “Once again, there was an extraordinary array of talent on display at CMYA this year and standards were sky high.

“CMYA has always been a showcase of contemporary best practice and it’s heartening to see the dedication to innovation and continual improvement demonstrated by construction managers on projects of all sizes. Congratulations to all our finalists and medallists, your achievements have made the industry extremely proud.”

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