Asset management experts, Gavin May and Mark Laidler, share why their work is varied and hugely rewarding.
What do you do at Tetra Tech?
Gavin: I’m working directly with key clients getting involved in bidding for tenders and commercial projects as well as any overarching project management and governance within across the team.
Mark: My time is split between delivery of client work where I’m issuing quotes, making sure we’re tracking KPIs across our projects and delivering expected outputs plus, non-client work such as financial reporting.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Mark: I love the variation of my work. I could have a phone call about an asbestos survey, then 30 seconds later I’m discussing a laser scan in Mongolia. Just this morning I had one conversation about a radar base in Norfolk, then straight into another chat about doing work in Stockholm. The work is never boring.
What has been your most interesting project to work on through your Tetra Tech career?
Gavin: Probably my ongoing work with HM Revenue & Customs. I’ve been working with them for three years striving to understand their operations, challenges and needs. We are now proactively making recommendations to help them manage their assets and estates. One recent piece of work we were involved with was ensuring they met the World Health Organisation (WHO) for good indoor ventilation in the context of COVID-19. Going forward we’ll be looking at how we support their net zero targets.
Mark: I had a project a while ago where we flew a drone over a nuclear licensed site as part of a survey of a pipe bridge. At the time, we were the first company to do this. It was a huge accomplishment for both Tetra Tech and our client, enabling the client to have an asset surveyed for the first time since construction.
How has Tetra Tech supported you in your career?
Gavin: I have recently done two Association of Project Management (APM) training courses which have opened up opportunities for me to experience many different areas of our business, grow my project management skills, as well as achieve my chartership status. It truly feels like the company wants you to do well. Not just for the business, but also for you as an individual.
Mark: I was on a graduate training programme when I first started working for Tetra Tech which really helped me fast track my career and learn all about the company. Since then, I have competed multiple project management courses and get involved in continuing professional development opportunities pretty much fortnightly. There are so many different things going on in the business and interesting people who I can learn form to continue my learning.
Why would you recommend Tetra Tech to others?
Gavin: Yes I would, as a business they encourage and invest into training and development for us. There is a good support structure in place to support everyone’s wellbeing.
Mark: If you want to join somewhere that is always growing and looking for new ventures, then I can’t think of anywhere more suited.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when you first started at Tetra Tech?
Gavin: Get involved as much as you can. You might have weeks where you’re extremely busy and they can feel long, but in these environments, you can learn so much. It really is true that you make your own opportunities, so to get out there and get engaged will allow yourself to grow.
Mark: Say yes to every opportunity, embrace change, and don’t be hesitant or reluctant to get involved in something new.
About the experts
Gavin May
Gavin May is a director in our asset management team.
Working with Tetra Tech since 2016, Gavin was our first chartered Project Manager with a portfolio of professional expertise across various sectors, working with national and international companies such as HMRC, EDF, FCDO, and the World Health Organisation.
Leading our Project Operations, Gavin monitors bids, commercial projects and project governance. Gavin works directly with key clients and has been commended for his determination in leading his team, contributing to improvements in project life-cycles.
Mark Laidler
Mark Laidler is a project management associate.
Working with Tetra Tech since 2014, Mark monitors the delivery of client work and delivers the expected outputs. Mark was part of securing a major success as sole provider of Asbestos Consultancy Framework with FCDO Services in 2025 for their Asbestos Consultancy Framework.
He provides effective and innovative strategies to colleagues, clients around Asset management.