People Spotlight: Wayne Fortune

Meet Wayne Fortune! Wayne joined us at the start of the year as a Project Manager, and is the man in charge when it comes to pumping station projects for the developer community.

Tell us a little about yourself – what brought you to Horizons?

I joined Scottish Water’s Strategic Investment Planning team in 2018. Up until that point I’d spent most of my career as a consultant, providing utility design advice on residential, commercial, leisure and aviation projects.

Working in the Investment Planning team gave me a great overview of all things Scottish Water as well as the opportunity to contribute towards planning for their regulatory investment period.

When I heard about the Project Manager position, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get back into a more project-facing role and apply existing knowledge and experience whilst continuing to develop.

What does a normal day look like for you at work?

My day usually starts with a flat white and cranking up Radio 6 music – there are some benefits to home working after all!

I usually spend the first half hour planning tasks for the day – it’s a bit cliché but no two days are the same. Sometimes I’m on-site during the construction phase of a pumping station project; other days I’m preparing tenders or contracts, reviewing designs, attending meetings or taking a break from the norm and writing responses for an Employee Spotlight!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I think it’s the variety; the fast-paced nature of our pumping station projects when they hit site, working together to overcome any unforeseen challenges that crop up. I also like meeting and engaging with the various people involved in the procurement, design and delivery side.

I’m really enjoying the opportunity to help streamline the pumping station workstream by improving current processes and supporting customers with getting their assets vested by Scottish Water.  It’s certainly been a rewarding role so far.

What has been the biggest learning curve for you?

As I started working in Horizons in early 2021, home working has been the norm. In my previous roles I was used to building relationships with people face to face, so I think the biggest learning curve has been getting to know people remotely.

Fortunately, I’ve been able to get to site so I’ve been able to meet with customers and contractors (at a distance!).  I’m also looking forward to more opportunities like our recent team volunteering day with Scottish Canals to get to know my colleagues better.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Besides running around after the kids, cleaning, tidying and doing the washing?!

I try to run 5k three times a week – I’ve found getting out over lunch and taking in the fresh air has been really beneficial whilst working from home.  If I have the time I also love getting out on my bike (missing the daily cycle to the office) and the usual catching up with friends and family.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I love cooking, having people round for dinner and enjoying the odd beverage. I’ve been trying to perfect my dough for the past couple of years and like to think I’m a bit of an aficionado when it comes to homemade pizza, but don’t expect to see me on Bake-Off any time soon!

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

I’ve been really fortunate to visit quite a few places around the world already, but a couple of destinations spring to mind!  I’ve always wanted to visit Costa Rica as it’s such a diverse place in terms of its landscape, wildlife and plant life, but if I could go anywhere right now it would have to be Mykonos in Greece, enjoying a gyros (if you haven’t had one you haven’t lived) and a cold beer at sunset!

What would your perfect Saturday look like?

Enjoying a morning coffee in the sun with some music (Café del Mar playlist please), then a run around at the park with the kids followed by beers and football in the afternoon. The perfect end to the day would be dinner, drinks and throwing some shapes with friends! It will all come together one Saturday I’m sure…