James MacNeil

Background

About James MacNeil

I am a dynamic and effective executive leader who thrives on the challenge of growing and improving the organisations I work for. Whether working as project director, general manager or company director, I thrive on solving problems in ways that achieve client and stakeholder objectives, and using my strong coaching mentality to drive positive change by creating a vision, empowering individuals and coaching them to achieve their best.In my most recent role, I was responsible for the day to day operations of KBR's Australian Infrastructure Services business as Director – Operations and Delivery. As part of this role, I drove initiatives to improve leadership at all levels of the 600FTE operations team, deliver efficiency and service differentiation through a digital transformation strategy and reduce the cost of delivery by developing international work share capabilities. Prior to KBR, my 15-year career with multi-disciplinary professional services provider Beca involved roles ranging from business development and strategic growth to major project and business leadership. In all my recent roles, the analytical and communication skills I honed as a journalist in London help me find and explain win-win solutions for clients and colleagues. These are supplemented by competencies including contract negotiation, change management including digital-driven business transformation, strategic planning and business operations.My career highlights to date include developing and delivering strategies to improve KBR’s Infrastructure Services business; working as Project Manager on the $200m Britomart station precinct in Auckland; Project Director on the National Aircraft Pavement Maintenance Program for the Australian Department of Defence; helping to build Beca's Australian business; and leading the advocacy agenda for Consult Australia's Victorian Division as its Committee Chair and later board director.