On the Built On People podcast, host Dave speaks with Lee Drew, Construction Director at Arazu Construction, to unpack what the role really involves beyond stereotypes. Lee shares balancing a young company, five kids, and self-care, and explains Arazu’s collaborative culture and focus on health and safety first, then quality, commercial, and program. He discusses supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital and plays a charity rant game. Lee describes the biggest director-level shock as cashflow and responsibility for staff livelihoods, plus the need for long-term planning, disciplined overheads, and transparent communication. He outlines main contractor realities: tight margins (about 6.5%–8.5%), aggressive tendering, procurement and inflation risks under fixed-price contracts, and managing client, employer’s agent, and site expectations. A major theme is changing site culture to prioritize honesty and mental health, with Lee committing Arazu to donate to the Southern Wellness Action Group charity Clay Pigeon shoot later this year.
","author_name":"David Baker"}