From Groundworker to Contracts Manager
Career Story: Lee Farrar – Contracts Manager
I joined CHC in 2006 straight after leaving school, thanks to a family friend who worked at CHC as a supervisor at the time. The plan back then was simple, work in construction for a few months while applying to join the Royal Marines.
My first role was as a Groundworker, and I was placed with an experienced pipe‑laying and civils gang working on sites across Yorkshire, including Kiveton Park remediation in Sheffield and Pleasley Colliery remediation in Mansfield. Before long, my confidence and skills grew, and I moved from being the so-called apprentice to becoming the lead pipe layer in the team. We were a competitive bunch, always pushing each other to see who could install the most pipes and kerbs each day. With youth on my side, I usually came out the winner!
As I learned more about different roles and responsibilities on site, I started to think seriously about building a long‑term career in construction. My original plan to join the Armed Forces slowly faded, replaced by the ambition to be part of a team that transforms land and creates something that leaves a lasting impact. Phrases I heard on site like “If you’re going to do a job, do it right or not at all” and “Measure twice, cut once” have stayed with me ever since.
After a few years, I spoke with our Contracts Manager at the time about developing my career further. He recognised my commitment and talked me through the different training and education routes CHC could sponsor me on. After doing my research and talking with different people in the industry, I chose to train as a Site Setting Out Engineer and Surveyor. I was given the chance to work alongside CHC senior engineer Jason Wade on a project in Aylesbury. Jason, with his unmistakable cockney accent and stories of working on Wembley Stadium and its famous arch, taught me lot. He was a perfectionist, so if I was even 1mm out, he made sure I knew it.
From there, I became an engineer overseeing multiple CHC sites across the country. My confidence grew, and I took on more responsibility, setting out lines and levels and then briefing the gang. Before long, I’d turned into Jason, the one who wasn’t shy about pointing out when something was even a millimetre off. This experience paved the way for my move into Site Management, overseeing various projects and working with teams I’d once worked alongside as a Groundworker. One of the standout opportunities was the Broadway Green project, a large, £multi‑million project lasting over three phases. This helped me develop not only as a manager but also as a mentor to others.
Afte a while, I was approached by Mike Goodier, now CHC’s Managing Director, who asked if I knew we were looking for a new Contracts Manager. It felt like a natural next step, as I was already overlapping with much of the role. It was an easy yes. I’m now a Contracts Manager, and for the last three years I’ve been overseeing multiple projects in Yorkshire and the Gainsborough area. We’ve recently opened our new Regional office in Doncaster, giving us a local base to support our clients in the area.
There have been so many moments in my career journey that have meant a lot to me. From installing my first pipe, setting out my first kerb line, to successfully pricing and winning my first tender, the small wins matter.But two projects stand out, Aylesbury Theatre and Broadway Green. Both were hugely successful for CHC and played significant roles in my career progression. They were the kind of projects that shaped who I am today.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with some great people over the years. If I had to name a few, it would be Jason Wade, Adrian Booth, Mike Goodier and Howard Chamberlain.
One of the things that makes CHC special is how supportive everyone is, from the Managing Director to the site teams. No matter who you speak to, they’ll always make time to help. Everyone here has a role to play, and no one is just “making up the numbers”. That is one of the reasons there are so many successful career stories across CHC.
