Teun Termeer implements 'First Time Right' in project management
In the fast-paced field of the process industry, Teun Termeer excels as a project manager within the food and beverage sector. He's responsible for planning, budgeting, and coordinating crucial communication moments, often involving arranging milestone meetings with the project team, suppliers and contractors. Next to his work for several exciting clients, he is also a head of department for the process and technology department in Rosmalen, the Netherlands.
Challenges in his different roles
Teun thrives in the early stages, up to detailed engineering, but as projects shift to execution, the team and its technical experts often takes the lead, allowing Teun to maintain his responsibility of keeping an overview.
He explains: ‘My motivation comes from the satisfaction of solving problems and organizing the essentials of projects. I enjoy tackling new challenges and appreciate the uniqueness of every project and engineering puzzle at NIRAS’.
Teun is often in charge of organizing the project's structure and putting together the right team with the right skills to efficiently achieve project goals. A project team can consist of colleagues from the Netherlands and abroad, as well as professionals from the client and external suppliers. ‘It is important to get clarity on what you are trying to achieve so you can get the right people on board,’ he explains.
In an increasingly digital world, the way professionals collaborate is changing. Clients have their unique ways of working, and Teun believes it's crucial to discuss expectations and communication styles in this modern context.
A method to stick to
NIRAS Nederland carries out project management services based on the Stage Gate Method, a practical and problem-focused approach. This method divides projects into six clear phases and sets criteria for moving to the next stage. NIRAS Nederland not only emphasizes overseeing these phases but also manages the budget, schedule and quality.
NIRAS excels in project excellence and that is a strategic initiative Teun values as well. The core of Teun's approach is the "First Time Right" principle. He stresses the importance of delivering accurate and well-checked information to clients and suppliers. This accuracy extends to close-to-actual estimates, schedules, and the engineering documents. As a project progresses through its phases, the level of detail increases, making thorough review more time-consuming and requiring a deep understanding of the content. Teun believes that managing thorough checks, by utilizing the four-eyes principle, of these details is crucial. ‘Any uncertainties or mistakes can lead to unnecessary delays and costs, which goes against the goal of efficiently achieving project objectives’, he explains.
‘My role connects various projects, clients, suppliers and stakeholders all while keeping an eye out for new developments within our industry.’
Teun Termeer
He values NIRAS Nederland's hands-on mentality regarding project management. ‘The organization's straightforward communication and the sharing of knowledge between younger professionals and experienced engineers ensure great results and continuous improvement. Next to my role as project manager I’m also the Head of Department for the Process and Technology team for the office in Rosmalen. I really enjoy growing and getting more knowledgeable together with the team members and other colleagues.’
The possibilities in my career
Teun explains, ‘I began my career as a project manager, gradually progressing to the role of a senior project manager. You learn a lot on the client’s projects, but NIRAS also provides the opportunity to take courses and share experiences with other colleagues, allowing us to learn from one another.’
With time and experience, Teun further advanced, becoming the head of a department in Rosmalen. His team comprises individuals with different disciplines and career levels. He stated, ‘I believe my primary role is to ensure that colleagues can reach their full potential, both in terms of skills and work satisfaction.’ This aligns with NIRAS's philosophy as an employer, and that's why Teun is so well-suited for this role.
Teun concluded by saying, ‘I want to keep learning and develop myself consistently expanding my knowledge. My current responsibilities also involve participating in various internal projects, including the development of Dutch project management tools and standards. I eagerly look forward to keep exploring new challenges and possibilities in the future, and to keep enjoying projects.’
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