Delivering on impactful projects in clean energy is gratifying

Author: Carl-Jan van der Heide, Director, Energy & Natural Resources at Turner & Townsend

For both Ina Derksen and Jorge Gorrochategui Ruiz, working in an international, growing and above all impactful business is what interested them: "Having worked on Oil & Gas projects in my previous job, I was looking for a position within Natural Resources where I could work with large, international clients." says Ina. "Working on projects in the circular economy and thereby participating in something positive for society has been very rewarding.

So, why Natural Resources?

Jorge explains, "I currently have one big client in the mining sector, but I have been very involved in the development of our Natural Resources team, which is what I enjoy most about working at Turner & Townsend. My role today is broad, so I have been able to see the growth of this division up close. From working on recruitment, bids, dealing with various clients, different internal departments and generally contributing to supporting a business with a lot of growth has really given me the diversity of subjects I was looking for."

“In Project Controls we invest a lot in optimising our processes, using innovative technology to achieve better results for our clients.”

Best in class

For Jorge, Turner & Townsend was a logical move: "I have more of an Infrastructure background, but I was already familiar with Turner & Townsend's Natural Resources division from my time working in London. I felt this was the right business for me and I always wanted to get into the world of clean energy, so a move to Turner & Townsend was a natural one."

Beyond the Natural Resources business itself, Turner & Townsend is looking to the future, Ina: "Another motivating factor within our company is the fact that Turner & Townsend invests a lot in optimising our processes using innovative technology to achieve better results for our clients. In the area of Project Controls, for example, we have increasingly moved to high-end digital solutions to be best in class with these technologies in our market."

“The Natural Resources business is very international by nature, and being able to combine that with such a culturally diverse team, contributes to our success."

Culture of Trust

Building a cohesive, diverse culture is also something Ina and Jorge can agree on: "What I really like is working in an international, diverse environment, not only in terms of the company and the clients we have, but also as a company itself. We are very connected with our teams in and outside of the different offices where people from different backgrounds are all working towards a clear goal. Because the lines of communication are so fluid, you immediately know what's going on throughout the company, which in turn can provide new ideas and inspiration for your own projects."

"Also, we never miss an opportunity to meet and exchange knowledge, whether during our meetings or just a simple Friday afternoon drink after work, everyone here realises that cohesion and working together can only have positive effects."

Jorge adds: "As they say, diverse teams are better performing teams and I feel this is definitely the case for us. With a diverse team, it is also easier to adapt to customer needs and learn about different ways of working and thinking from a personal point of view. Being part of the EDI team myself I can honestly say that there is very much a conscious push to build a workforce and culture which reflects this. The Natural Resources business is very international by nature and being able to combine that with such a culturally diverse team contributes to our success."

"Also, in terms of development, I feel that the management style is very collaborative, meaning that if you want to do something, or if you have an idea that could benefit the company, you are listened to and trusted to make the right decisions. Besides your annual review, you clearly have plenty of opportunity to put forward innovative ideas. So, this also means that the company attracts people with an open mindset - those willing to try new things, which I feel typifies life at our company.”