From Reactive to Rewarding: How One Project Manager Found the Right Long-Term Opportunity

Every career reaches a point where you stop and ask yourself a simple question:

"Is this still the right place for me?"

For some people, it's prompted by a lack of progression. For others, it's the projects they're working on, the support around them, or simply the feeling that they're no longer enjoying their work in the same way.

For Djamel, it wasn't about chasing a bigger salary or escaping a bad employer. It was about finding a role where he could make better use of his experience, take on greater responsibility and continue developing his career.

We recently caught up with him to reflect on what prompted his move, what he was looking for and how the right opportunity helped him rediscover his enthusiasm for the job.

 

Looking for More Than Just a New Job

After building solid experience in the industry, Djamel felt ready for a fresh challenge.

"I had reached a point where I wanted a fresh challenge and a role that offered greater stability, responsibility and scope to develop. I was looking for an organisation where I could make proper use of both my technical background and project management experience."

Like many experienced construction professionals, his decision wasn't driven by one single factor. It was the overall direction of his career that mattered most.

 

Knowing It Was Time for a Change

While there were positives in his previous role, the working environment had become increasingly difficult.

"The environment had become very reactive, with limited resources and support, which made it difficult to plan effectively and deliver work to the standard I expected. I was also looking for more structure, clearer direction and a healthier long-term working environment."

Rather than waiting until frustration took over, Djamel decided to explore what else might be available.

 

Finding the Right Opportunity

When Djamel first spoke with Stephen Nugent at Breagh Recruitment, the conversation wasn't simply about finding another vacancy.

It started with understanding what he wanted from the next stage of his career.

"Stephen took the time to understand my background and what I was looking for, and shortly afterwards introduced me to the role with Cross Technical Solutions."

The opportunity wasn't just technically interesting. It aligned with the type of environment, responsibility and long-term progression Djamel had been looking for.

 

A Recruitment Process That Felt Different

Changing jobs can often feel uncertain, particularly when you're balancing interviews alongside a full-time role.

For Djamel, clear communication made all the difference.

"The process was straightforward, professional and well managed from the beginning. Stephen kept me informed throughout, explained the role clearly and made sure I was properly prepared for each stage."

One aspect stood out in particular.

"I was impressed by how personal and honest the support was. It never felt like Breagh were simply trying to fill a vacancy; there was a genuine effort to make sure the company, role and candidate were the right fit for one another."

 

A Role That Matches His Ambition

Today, Djamel is working as a Project Manager with Cross Technical Solutions, managing technical projects across pharmaceutical, healthcare, education and commercial sectors.

It's exactly the type of opportunity he had hoped to find.

"What excites me most is the variety of the work, the responsibility I have been given and the opportunity to be closely involved in both the technical and operational sides of each project."

Perhaps more importantly, the move has reignited his enjoyment of the job.

"The biggest positive has been regaining a real sense of enthusiasm and confidence in my work. I am in a position where my experience is valued, I am trusted to take ownership and I can see a clear opportunity to grow with the company."

 

His Advice to Anyone Considering a Move

Making a career move can feel like a big decision, particularly if you're comfortable where you are.

Djamel's advice is simple:

"There is no harm in having an initial conversation and seeing what opportunities are available. A career move can feel daunting, but the right recruiter will make the process much clearer and help you decide whether the opportunity is genuinely right for you."

 

The Right Move Isn't Always About Salary

One of the themes we hear most often from construction professionals is that the best career moves are rarely about money alone.

They're about finding an environment where your experience is valued, your career can continue to grow and you're excited by the work you're doing every day.

Djamel's story is a great example of that.

Sometimes the right opportunity isn't about leaving a job.

It's about finding a place where you can do your best work.