Working at Linkcity: Q&A with Aleks Dashi

One of the best things about Linkcity is our people. To celebrate this, we have launched a series of Q&As to showcase our diverse, talented team and the variety of roles available here. This time, we hear from Aleks Dashi, Senior Operations Manager at Linkcity UK.

Tell us a bit about you and your role?
As part of the operations team within Linkcity, I get involved with new projects even before Financial Close (FC) then take them through the construction stage and stick with them after achieving Practical Completion (PC) into the latent defect stage which normally goes on until 2 years after PC.

What do you do in your day to day?
I spend a lot of my time liaising with Development Managers Pre-FC and with Investors throughout the construction and defect periods to ensure all requirements within the Development Agreement/Agreement for Lease are finalised. I also communicate regularly with all stakeholders involved in our projects, which can involve anything from running all the meetings required to achieve successful construction on site or managing day to day challenges and the expectations of our clients. I am also responsible for integrating each stakeholders’ contract documents as well as monitoring any changes that might transpire during construction. Reviewing the progress on site and advising all stakeholders of any challenges that we’re experiencing at the time is always a priority so the adequate steps can be proposed and agreed to resolve the matter. My ultimate aim is to achieve a successful, high-quality product and a profitable project. We must ensure that our clients are delighted with our efforts on the project and everything I do feeds into this.

What’s the biggest challenge in your role?
Completing all the required changes on the project to match the satisfaction of all stakeholders is one of many big challenges on a live project. When changes need to be made, the team must work hard to deliver the product that we have promised our clients on time and to budget.

What has been the proudest moment of your career at Linkcity?
My previous scheme at Hounslow Civic Centre, a unique building with an iconic design from our architects, was nominated for national awards competition and this has to be up there with the proudest moments of my career. We manage to complete the building on time with a high-quality finish and in line with the agreed price. This was achieved through working very closely with all stakeholders and we received very positive feedback from our client which was an added bonus. This project was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of London and it was fantastic to be invited to attend.

What is a common misconception about your role?
The biggest misconception is that my role is just a contest between the contractor and the developer. On the contrary, we believe that to achieve a trusting and efficient partnership we need to work together and develop reliance between all parties involved.

What have you learnt over the last 18 months?
Since starting on the current project I am working on, I have witnessed the number of females in the construction industry increase noticeably. From the women working on site right up to the women in management or operational roles. While there is no doubt still a way to go, it is great to see this positive change.

What do you like most about working at Linkcity?
I think the people that work within Linkcity team are fundamental to our success as a company. Over the years, each team within the business as well as all the consultants we work with have played a part in building the working relationships we have today. Sometimes it might look like we’re working in isolation from other departments, however, every time that we need to achieve a difficult goal we always manage to work as united team and be very successful in what we strive to do.

Where do you see yourself this time next year?
By this time next year, the Luton Street & Fisherton Street project will be completed, and residents will be enjoying their new life in a prime London location. I will be still involved with the aftercare process whilst also working on our next project, whatever that might be…!