From kitchen conversations to global experiences
Imagine walking into your workplace kitchen for a cup of coffee and leaving with an international career opportunity. This is just one of the many intriguing twists in the 15-year journey of Alex Lovelock at VARD. From Norway to Brazil, and now Vietnam, Alex's story is a testament to the unexpected paths and diverse experiences VARD can offer.
30. July 2024
Let`s start at the beginning, Alex started his VARD journey in April 2009 at Vard Brevik's machinery department as a Project Engineer. Over the years, he advanced to managing 3D coordination and took on roles as an Engineering Coordinator and Project Manager.
Unexpected opportunities
A brief meeting in the Brevik office kitchen led Alex to Brazil. - I met the then-yard director for the Brazil yards during his summer holiday. A casual conversation about opportunities led to me sending my CV, and a few months later, I was in Brazil, Alex explains. He spent nearly three years at Vard Promar as a Topside Coordinator. Returning to Norway, he worked on various projects before moving to Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam in September 2019, where he progressed from Assistant Project Manager to Project Manager.
The multifaceted role of a project manager
As a Project Manager, Alex balances strategic oversight with hands-on problem-solving. He ensures that client wishes align with project realities, manages the project lifecycle, and coordinates diverse teams across VARD. - While you need to keep an overview of the project, you also need to be able dive into details when necessary – whether it's discussing design modifications, resolving construction challenges, managing budget and timelines.
Navigating a multicultural environment
As a New Zealander, Alex honestly admits that he initially faced a culture shock living in Norway. - Learning Norwegian and embracing cross-country skiing helped me fit in back in Norway. However, those skiing skills haven't been as helpful in Brazil or Vietnam.
Working in a multicultural environment could be challenging to navigate, Alex explains: - I have experienced varied time zones, cultural differences, and not least, some language barriers. There are always some misunderstandings along the way, but at VARD I think everyone does a great job to work together and be understood.
Shipbuilding – an endless series of puzzles
The chance to develop within the company has been a significant reason for Alex staying in VARD for so long. – Up until now, I have been able to take advantage of the opportunities to move within the group. I value the variety of work opportunities and locations, he explains.
- I'm a simple guy at heart, but I've always been drawn to the complexity of large projects. Shipbuilding, in particular, is an endless series of puzzles – each one unique, requiring a mix of past experience, some technical knowledge and usually a bit of creativity. It's also incredibly satisfying to see a project of this scale at the end, knowing I played a small part in delivering it.
To sum it up, we asked what word Alex would use to describe VARD?
- Dynamic! This spirit enables VARD to tackle unexpected challenges and deliver innovative solutions on tight deadlines, he concludes.
