Fresh from school, Brian Ring joined Paynter Dixon as an apprentice carpenter. He rose through the ranks with quiet determination, from Leading Hand to Project Manager.

He now leads the site team at The Mater Hospital in North Sydney where construction of a palliative care facility and modernised day surgery unit is powering towards completion.

How did family and upbringing shape your interests?  

I grew up in the Sutherland Shire. My family has a strong connection to building. My grandfather was a builder and shipwright [builder of timber boats]. My Dad built his own house with support from his brother – also a builder.

I went through high school focusing on technical subjects. On weekends I helped with building and renovations. Essentially anything that was outside and hands on. I’ve never liked being cooped up inside.

The road led to Paynter Dixon?

My uncle worked for Paynter Dixon and recommended working for a reputable commercial construction company where there is variety of work and stronger job security. I wanted to avoid being pigeon-holed with a repetitive carpentry task.

I signed up with the Master Builders Association and the company became my host employer.

My confidence grew with time on site. The diversity of project experience continued with my transition to Leading Hand and subsequent roles.

Memorable projects over the past decade? 

The Albany, Crows Nest. 71 apartments, 4-level basement car park, retail shops and childcare centre.       

I came in mid-way to assist and see the job through to the end. The site was located on a major intersection on busy Willougby Road with restricted access. As a team, our job involves adapting to challenging environments.

Kingdom Culture Christian School, Arncliffe. A new two-storey school.

The first time I managed a site on my own. A big confidence booster. We faced delays and setbacks from the Covid-19 pandemic. To keep the program on track, we partnered with long-term subcontractors from past projects.

Club Parramatta Car Park. Multi-level, inground structure with 500 car spaces.  

There were massive concrete pours on site. I remember a day where we poured over a thousand cubic metres. Dual concrete boom pumps were in operation with a two-truck feed per pump. 120 concrete trucks rolled through. It comes down to pre-planning and coordination.

What motivates you, especially with your recent promotion to Project Manager?

The challenge of looking at a different side of the business. A new learning curve and stepping out of the comfort zone. I understand how our sites work. Now I want to apply myself to pre-construction, with a particular interest in the financial dimensions of project delivery.

You’ve felt supported by Paynter Dixon in your professional growth?

I have progressed through roles: Apprentice, Leading Hand, Sub-Foreman, Foreman, Site Manager, and now Project Manager. Performance reviews have been an ongoing discussion about my future and potential career pathways. Gauging my interest in taking on bigger roles, and the steps to get there.

What about mentoring and support within the Construction team?

There isn’t a Construction Manager or senior team member I wouldn’t happily call at any given time. Dave Trethewy, Paul Di Giulio, Jamie Vlatko. I regularly touch base with them to bounce ideas around and ask any questions.

Valuable lessons?

Even with the best laid plans, unexpected issues can appear. We learn to take each day in our stride. And if a mistake is made, we jump in together as a team. That’s why it’s important to have strong relationships with our trades on site, and most importantly our clients.

“Improvements” is my favourite word. We’re all here to get the job done together.

Brian and the site team at the Mater Hospital.

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