Name: Graeme Mcilmurray
Job title: NYH Property Project Manager
Based at: Finkills Way

Contact details: graeme.mcilmurray@nyhighways.co.uk
LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/graeme-mcilmurray-ba-hons-cmgr-mcmi-gcgi-minstre-a03806241

When did you join NY Highways and how did you get here?

I joined NY Highways in December 2024. I learned that the company was expanding into the property sector, and I saw this as an exciting and challenging opportunity that I wanted to be part of. I believed I could contribute by helping to develop a team capable of meeting this new challenge and achieving successful outcomes.

After a rigorous interview that tested my project management knowledge with the Managing Director, Head of Commercial, and Head of Finance, I was thrilled when they offered me the job.

Your job has been to manage the launch of the new property maintenance department - what have been your highlights and most enjoyable aspects of the job so far?

A real highlight for me has been watching the department grow. It's been incredibly rewarding to see new team members come in, settle into their roles, and collaborate to build something together. I’ve also enjoyed creating job opportunities and welcoming new people into the business.

Another aspect I’ve particularly liked is witnessing the vision for the Property department gradually come to life. What started as an idea is now evolving into a fully functioning team, and it has been great to be part of that development.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Maintaining smooth operations while also developing processes, supporting new staff, and establishing a solid structure for long-term success has sometimes been challenging. It’s a constant balancing act between addressing immediate needs and dedicating the necessary time to build a capable team that can meet future expectations.

What qualities do you think you need to have a career at NYH Property?

In this fast-paced environment, things can change quickly, and no two days are ever the same, so adaptability is crucial. Additionally, having a strong desire to learn can make a significant difference. There is always something developing, whether it involves systems, processes, or a broader understanding of how the entire service operates.

Finally, being a team player is essential. The success of NYH Property relies on everyone collaborating closely, so supporting one another is a fundamental aspect of achieving success here.

What is a typical day in your life?

My typical day begins with a cup of coffee, preparing me for whatever the day may bring. Based in Northallerton, I spend my day managing emails, planning upcoming projects, and overseeing the team to ensure everything runs smoothly. I also frequently travel throughout the county for meetings with various subcontractors and colleagues from the council.

After work, I like to spend time with my family - my youngest son loves building Lego, and so do I! It’s a great way to unwind before another busy day ahead.

Outside of work, what are your hobbies and interests?

Outside of work, I am deeply passionate about snowboarding. I used to spend as much time as possible in the Austrian and French Alps, and I still make it a priority to get away for at least one week each year, sometimes two, if I can manage it. Snowboarding has always been a love of mine and remains a significant part of my life.

In addition to that, I also enjoy boxing, going to the gym, and running whenever I have the opportunity. I also have a fox-red Labrador named Rosie, who is three. She and my youngest son are thick as thieves, always getting into mischief.

Tell us a little-known fun fact about yourself: 

A little-known fun fact about me is that I am a qualified boxing coach. During my time in the Army, I was the highest-qualified snowboard instructor in my corps. I have also had tea with the Prime Minister and was invited to the late Queen’s Garden Party, which was the last year she attended.

Name: Ross Turner

Job title: Operations Manager

Based in: Skipton and Selby

You recently had a promotion to become a Operations Manager – congratulations Ross!

How long have you worked in the team? I’ve been with the team for 25 years now - I started with the county contracting arm of North Yorkshire Council in 1997. I briefly left in 2002 but returned 6 months later and have been here since. I originally started as an Area Electrician covering Skipton and the surrounding area, progressing up to Foreman just over 5 years ago. I took the next step to Senior Supervisor with NY Highways as of January 2022 and now I am Operations Manager!

What are your highlights and most enjoyable aspects of working in highways?

The enjoyable aspect has been the variety of work, from fixing streetlights to gritting the county’s roads, as well as being involved in helping light up my local villages at Christmas for the past 20 years. No two days are the same.

Tell us what qualities you think you need to have a career in highways:

You must be good at problem solving, have excellent communication skills and most of all, have an eye for quality and detail.

What is a typical day in the life of Ross?

From one minute to the next, it changes. I could be planning and scheduling works, or I could be attending call outs. I’m also an HGV driver and can be found gritting the roads around Skipton during the colder months.

Outside of work, what are your hobbies and interests?

I run regularly and have taken part in 10ks, half marathons, marathons, and more recently ultra marathons, which are 100k! I am a run leader at my local running club and find it rewarding helping others to succeed.

Tell us a little-known fun fact about yourself:

I once appeared in my favourite TV programme, Police Interceptors, while attending a callout in Scarborough. And no, I didn’t get arrested!

Contact me

Tel: 07890 068679

Email: ross.turner@nyhighways.co.uk

Add me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ross-turner-92a789151

Depot Supervisor

Joined NYHighways in October 2021

Based in Area 1

What role did you originally join NY Highways in, and what area are you working in now?

I started originally as a Highways Apprentice, and I am now depot supervisor in the same area.

What inspired you to choose an apprenticeship over other routes like university or full-time work?

I didn’t do particularly well in college - I don’t like that environment I would rather work on the job and get a qualification – more practical and hands on.

What motivated you to make a move within the organisation?

Money and career progression – I knew coming on as an apprentice I wanted to work my way up and that’s happened. I went from apprentice, to operative and now to depot supervisor.

Can you describe a typical day in your current role?

First job in the morning is a coffee. Then prepping the materials for the days work ahead, ensuring all the lads have the tools and what they require, when the lads go out keep on top of the yard, sweeping yard, making sure its safe and presentable. I then look at any audits that might need doing like waste audits, vehicle gate checks to make sure there are no defects, fire alarms, etc. Keeping the depot running smoothly. Then a few more coffees.

What’s been the most valuable skill or insight you’ve gained since changing roles?

Knowledge of how the business works and how the supervisors deal with the day to day. Being in the depot day to day I get to see the programming of work , planning of jobs, insight into business – This will only equip me in future skills. I can also see really clearly the importance of compliance and health and safety.

What’s been your proudest moment since joining NY Highways?

Passing my apprenticeship. Felt like one of the lads.

Have you faced any challenges during your transition, and how did you overcome them?

Gaining the respect of the operatives because as one point they were my mentors – I overcame it by just doing it day to day and building up respect.

How have your manager or colleagues supported your development and career journey?

Every PDR I always expressed interest in progressing into a supervisor role, when I was an operative I did a lot of overtime and work around the yard. When the depot supervisor role opened they knew I had good work ethic and they listened to me when I asked about progression in my PDR.

Where do you see yourself in five years, and how is NY Highways helping you get there?

In 5 years I really hope I can get to supervisor. I think NYH are helping me get by supporting me to progress – like I am now depot supervisor but I am spending time being around supervisors. I think they can give me little jobs to help me to get more experience. Just little bits and bobs, but I always try and help out where I can to get more opportunities to learn.

What advice would you give to someone looking to grow their career within NY Highways?

Be proactive, use your initiative. You need to show you can work hard, let people know, take on extra and go ahead and implement it. If you are just doing your work and going home, you are never going to go anywhere – go the extra mile.

Joined NYHighways in June 2024

Based in Area 2

What role did you originally join NY Highways in, and what area are you working in now?

I Joined as a supervisor and still a supervisor. I transferred my civil engineering apprenticeship over from NYC as I was as Highways officer there.

What motivated you to make a move to this organisation? 

Development – The company itself has more routes of progression than my previous role, and more opportunities to get qualifications and experience in different aspects of highways.

Can you describe a typical day in your current role? 

Organised chaos. Ensuring that the gangs are happy and organised with their day or week, directing depot supervisor to get the materials out for the day. Maintenance for the rest of the day – whilst I’m doing that I’m always programming for the next week.

What’s been the most valuable skill or insight you’ve gained since joining NYHighways? 

Man management. I never had anything to do with it until I joined Nyhighways.

What’s been your proudest moment since joining NY Highways?

I received an invite from Brian Stanforth to go with him and Ross Turner to the LCRIG festival. I Really enjoyed it.

How have your manager or colleagues supported your development and career journey? 

Excellent so far – whenever I’ve asked for additional responsibilities and experiences I’ve always been given it. My manager has supported me through training that I’ve requested that was out of the norm but that’s had a benefit to the area I work in. It helped me gain a better understanding of how the lads use the vehicles and means I can help out operationally when needed, it helped me connect to the workforce.

Where do you see yourself in five years, and how is NY Highways helping you get there? 

Further qualified in Civil Engineering hopefully, I would also like to be in a more senior position. Nyhighways is helping me by assisting me with development, experiences, qualifications and opportunities.

What advice would you give to someone looking to grow their career within NY Highways? 

Take on more responsibility to show you can do it to be able to get to the next level and take every opportunity you get.