Adrian Terry’s 10-year journey at UGL has included a blend of diverse roles and significant accomplishments, including the CopperString power project early contractor involvement (ECI) phase and a large number of tenders. As pre-contracts manager for UGL's utilities line of business, his experience highlights the collaborative and innovative spirit that defines UGL.
Tell us about your journey at UGL
“The enjoyable part of my 10 years with UGL is that I have had a couple of different roles. I started as a program manager. At the time UGL was in an alliance with an energy network owner and my role was to manage the program of works. I ensured that UGL and the energy network owner worked collaboratively to deliver the program and objectives successfully. From there I accepted a regional manager role that looked after Queensland and Northern Territory power utilities projects. As a regional manager, I was responsible for the wider program, not just specific projects, including several clients.
“From that point I moved into the pre-contracts world, as a bid manager and a pre-contracts manager. I have been in this role for six years. While it’s a different skill to my previous role, it leverages my understanding of the delivery aspects of a project. You need to understand what the critical issues on a project are, so you can predict where your risks lie and mitigate those risks.”
You bring a lot of knowledge to the industry. What other skills have you gained at UGL?
“People skills and learning about the technical aspects needed for power projects. The power industry is a highly regulated and technical field. There are defined specifications and parameters we must work within. Ensuring we position ourselves to be innovative in a very controlled environment is the key.”
What projects stand out for you as a milestone in your career at UGL?
“Heading up the ECI for CopperString, which is a large project we successfully converted into an early works package, was a recent defining achievement. I was also part of the successful conversion of the Genex transmission line and Mount Fox substation back in 2021. Before that was the Hill to Hill transmission line otherwise known as Prominent Hill in South Australia in 2019. All three have been very successful as we deliver projects that make a positive impact with our clients around the country.
"The great part about this role is that you get to work with multiple business functions on projects of various sizes. It gives you a robust all-round perspective for all aspects of industry."
What do you think makes UGL a great company to work for?
“The unique thing about UGL is we are a diverse company. With that diversity brings a wide knowledge base or skill set. We can tap into that great diversity which benefits the projects that we tender and deliver. And we get to benefit in our everyday lives, as UGL is helping to keep the country running!”
