Autonomy and mutual support

I have an atypical job with freedom to take initiatives - and that also applies to the relationship with the client. It's very rewarding, especially when Safege gets recognition from the client! (Because the client wasn't used to working with drawings I'd developed a 3D model to illustrate our recommendations.) Yet help is always on hand when we need it: There's a genuine sense of team spirit at Safege. As a member of the Drawing/GIS community of practice, I can approach any other member for technical advice and I'll always get an answer.

If ever I have a technical problem, one thing that is really great about Safege is that the engineers are always ready to help each other out. We can always find the support we need within the company, from experts as well. Safege makes it possible for us to work together and that's invaluable. People relate on an equal footing and there's no sense of competition. The people here love what they do, it's palpable.
The good atmosphere here is in large part due to management. Their attitude is very much about empowering employees; they're careful not to cramp us and they give us a lot of freedom. And working alongside a senior engineer – an expert - is very reassuring for a young engineer and allows us to rapidly take on responsibility in our projects.

In a management position you have a lot of freedom. For a unit manager, supported by very capable, specialist people, it's like managing a small company. As managers we contribute to the preparation of very exciting projects in a spirit of close collaboration. Equal recognition of technical and managerial skills within the company, means that there is no constant vying for position among employees. The sense of belonging is very strong and that makes for solid, cohesive teams.

As an expert civil engineer, I help junior hydraulic engineers who find themselves grappling with a civil engineering problem but who have no specialist training in that area. My role is to answer their questions and pass on my knowledge. My last job was as an assistant professor with the ESTP (Grande Ecole for professionals in the construction industry), where I spent ten years teaching engineering techniques for reinforced concrete structures.
I also carry out civil engineering studies at Safege as well as expert appraisals for the International Division.

 

Bernard S., Expert Civil Engineer

I can't say I was surprised to be entrusted with an assignment so early on as we'd talked about that at my interview. It's stressful but very empowering. You get very involved and really take the work to heart. In just a short time, I've had the chance to see the many different facets of a project and a variety of technical approaches. For the purely technical aspect - the modelling component - I had supervision from someone with experience. It's very reassuring when you consider the issues at stake.
What I also really appreciate is Safege's quality policy. It's something that gives it an edge over its competitors and that forces us to strive for technical excellence in everything we do.

 

Bertrand L., Project Engineer

Although our office is small we handle some highly technical projects. Where necessary we turn to specialists at other offices for the requisite technical assistance. There are a huge number of skills to be found within the Safege workforce.