Successfully managing wide variety of complex projects: insight from Tetra Tech’s Jillian Jack
Tetra Tech's September 2022 PM of the Month is Jillian Jack. She has over 20 years of experience in the design and construction of water and wastewater systems. Jillian oversees Tetra Tech's Metro Atlanta operations' complex design and construction management projects spanning multiple disciplines.
Jillian has also played an important role in expanding Tetra Tech's presence in Atlanta, leading business development strategy and recently being promoted to operations manager of our Atlanta wastewater infrastructure group.
“Jillian is a phenomenal project manager with one of the largest portfolios in our water infrastructure group. Beyond the metrics, Jillian takes the time to understand the client and their challenges and has become a trusted advisor,” said Lauren Springer, Unit President.
She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering and from Johns Hopkins University with a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering.
“I have really appreciated all the opportunities that have been offered to me since I started with Tetra Tech in 2013. I’ve been allowed the freedom to manage clients and projects in the manner that I believe best served our clients," said Jillian.
Jillian on managing water infrastructure projects.
How do you incorporate resilience in projects?
My team works on sanitary sewer collection system projects, water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades, and a variety of water and wastewater master planning initiatives. We work with clients to ensure that their available funds are spent wisely, innovative solutions are implemented, and goals are met on time, so that communities receive consistent, cost-effective, and high-quality services. Even in the face of limited resources, this work helps to maintain public health and protect the environment.
Municipalities must continue to provide critical services to communities while remaining fiscally responsible in the face of new constraints. When faced with COVID outbreaks on construction sites, my team did everything possible to keep construction moving safely and avoid costly delays.
Your approach to managing a successful project team?
I lead large teams of employees and subcontractors to complete critical water infrastructure projects. First and foremost, safety is critical to the work we do, so I work to ensure that my employees are safe and that construction is done safely. To ensure that we continue to meet our project objectives, I make an effort to foster a collaborative work environment for my team and clients.
A successful project team depends not only on having the right people with the right skills, but also on providing opportunities for employees to expand their experience and skills. I appreciate the contributions and participation of all project stakeholders, from county field staff to utility department management and up to county commissioners.
How do you maintain client satisfaction across a wide variety of complex projects?
Consistent and timely communication is essential for maintaining client satisfaction. You must be a trusted advisor to clients in order to navigate difficult and challenging projects. This includes maintaining relationships, responding to feedback, and maintaining the same level of work quality across projects.
I try to anticipate upcoming issues or project challenges and engage with clients proactively to develop tailored solutions, in addition to facilitating open communication channels. As a project manager, I frequently manage projects with strict time constraints, which necessitates collaboration with stakeholders to establish priorities and move projects forward while mitigating risks.
The importance of long-term client relationships cannot be overstated. Building relationships with other consultants, on the other hand, is critical to our success. Having spent the majority of my career in Metro Atlanta, I've developed relationships with a number of local small businesses that collaborate with Tetra Tech to provide critical services.
Jillian has also played an important role in expanding Tetra Tech's presence in Atlanta, leading business development strategy and recently being promoted to operations manager of our Atlanta wastewater infrastructure group.
“Jillian is a phenomenal project manager with one of the largest portfolios in our water infrastructure group. Beyond the metrics, Jillian takes the time to understand the client and their challenges and has become a trusted advisor,” said Lauren Springer, Unit President.
She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering and from Johns Hopkins University with a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering.
“I have really appreciated all the opportunities that have been offered to me since I started with Tetra Tech in 2013. I’ve been allowed the freedom to manage clients and projects in the manner that I believe best served our clients," said Jillian.
Jillian on managing water infrastructure projects.
How do you incorporate resilience in projects?
My team works on sanitary sewer collection system projects, water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades, and a variety of water and wastewater master planning initiatives. We work with clients to ensure that their available funds are spent wisely, innovative solutions are implemented, and goals are met on time, so that communities receive consistent, cost-effective, and high-quality services. Even in the face of limited resources, this work helps to maintain public health and protect the environment.
Municipalities must continue to provide critical services to communities while remaining fiscally responsible in the face of new constraints. When faced with COVID outbreaks on construction sites, my team did everything possible to keep construction moving safely and avoid costly delays.
Your approach to managing a successful project team?
I lead large teams of employees and subcontractors to complete critical water infrastructure projects. First and foremost, safety is critical to the work we do, so I work to ensure that my employees are safe and that construction is done safely. To ensure that we continue to meet our project objectives, I make an effort to foster a collaborative work environment for my team and clients.
A successful project team depends not only on having the right people with the right skills, but also on providing opportunities for employees to expand their experience and skills. I appreciate the contributions and participation of all project stakeholders, from county field staff to utility department management and up to county commissioners.
How do you maintain client satisfaction across a wide variety of complex projects?
Consistent and timely communication is essential for maintaining client satisfaction. You must be a trusted advisor to clients in order to navigate difficult and challenging projects. This includes maintaining relationships, responding to feedback, and maintaining the same level of work quality across projects.
I try to anticipate upcoming issues or project challenges and engage with clients proactively to develop tailored solutions, in addition to facilitating open communication channels. As a project manager, I frequently manage projects with strict time constraints, which necessitates collaboration with stakeholders to establish priorities and move projects forward while mitigating risks.
The importance of long-term client relationships cannot be overstated. Building relationships with other consultants, on the other hand, is critical to our success. Having spent the majority of my career in Metro Atlanta, I've developed relationships with a number of local small businesses that collaborate with Tetra Tech to provide critical services.
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