People & Culture

A People-Focused Company Culture

At SHAPE, the first thing that we built was a great place to work. Our philosophy is simple – Put people and culture first and commercial results will follow. The culture we have built is all about our people acting positively, constructively, and respectfully toward each other, our clients, and our subcontractors and suppliers.

Our strategy is underpinned by the voice of our people. We regularly undertake culture and employee engagement surveys to monitor, understand, and actively improve wellness, satisfaction, and inclusion.

People and Culture SHAPE Australia

Meet our Team Across Australia

Peter Marix-Evans

Chief Executive Officer

'PME'

Career
Peter was appointed Chief Executive Officer in December 2017. He joined SHAPE in 2011 as Group Executive and General Manager of NSW and then became Chief Operating Officer in 2016. He brings over 30 years of wide-ranging construction industry experience across risk and commercial management, customer experience and environmental health and safety. Prior to joining SHAPE, Peter held several senior operational and strategic positions at Lendlease. He has a particular passion for exceptional customer experience, as well as developing and leading high-performance teams.

Life
A father of two teenage sons, Peter loves surfing, fishing, snowboarding and pretty much anything that involves boats, boards or water. He come back to team sport as the proud coach of the over 35 F grade.

Kate Evans

Group Executive - People, Brand and Communications

'KT, Kevans'

Career
As the leader of the People and Culture, Marketing, and Customer Experience functions at SHAPE, Kate drives strategic initiatives to achieve business goals. Since joining SHAPE in 2004, she has been pivotal in establishing a formal human resources department, enhancing leadership capabilities, and fostering a highly constructive organizational culture. Recently, Kate expanded her responsibilities to include marketing and communications, where she has been instrumental in developing and executing strategies that generate repeat business and promote long-term growth.

Life
Kate is a devoted mum of two who loves spending time with family and friends. She balances her love of good food and wine with staying fit, skiing in the winter, and going to the beach in the summer.

Scott Jamieson

Chief Financial Officer

'Jamo'

Career
After working as an External Auditor of SHAPE for seven years, Scott joined the business in 2008 as Financial Controller. In 2012, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer with a strategic and operational focus, bringing more than 25 years of experience to the role. Scott is responsible for SHAPE’s Financial Risk Management, Governance and Acquisitions. He has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance) from the University of Technology Sydney and is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor.

Life
Scott keeps busy spending time with his three kids and looking after his 200 fish, 12 chickens, two dogs, and two cats. When he’s not watching sport, he’s playing it. He loves golf, mountain bike riding, tennis, boating, and skiing (water, snow and jet skiing).

Phillip Smith

Group Executive - EHSQ & IT

'Phil' 

Career
Phillip Smith brings over 35 years of experience in the building industry, with a background in construction, strategic leadership, and Workplace Health and Safety. He oversees all aspects of Environment, Health, Safety, and Quality (EHSQ) and IT at SHAPE, promoting a safety-first culture through innovative yet practical project management systems.

Phillip played a key role in transitioning the business to the Procore project delivery system and was pivotal in developing the industry-leading SHAPE Minimum Standards (SMS) mobile safety app. More recently, he has expanded his focus to include Business Technology and is currently leading the development of SHAPE’s Environmental Sustainability (ESG) roadmap and future strategy.

Phillip is an active member of several industry organisations, including the NSW Asbestos & Hazmat Removal Contractors Association, the Asbestos Education Committee, and the OFSC Industry Reference Group, where he is a passionate advocate for asbestos awareness.

Life
Phillip is a Brisbane Broncos supporter, car enthusiast and lover of most outdoor activities. He has two sons, three grandsons and an extended family of pets that seem to arrive and never leave.

Phillip Wicks

Group Executive - Commercial

'Phill/Wicksy'

Career
Phillip has 25 years of construction industry experience, working both in Australia and the UK. He joined SHAPE in 2006 as a Project Manager and has since held several positions, including General Manager of NSW. Phillip’s role supports state operations to progress the interests of SHAPE and its clients, ensuring the effective management of day-to-day operations as well as strategic endeavours. Phillip’s extensive project and financial management experience, combined with his successful track record of developing innovative solutions, guarantees the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Life
Phillip’s perfect day would include an early surf, a swim with the family, and a BBQ with friends. His favourite sporting team is the Canterbury Bulldogs.

SHAPE-Australia-National-Belinda-Montgomery

Belinda Montgomery

General Counsel

Career
Belinda has more than 20 years’ experience as a lawyer in Australia and internationally, specialising in construction law. Prior to joining SHAPE in 2022, Belinda had a long history working as a lawyer with construction contractors, including at Lendlease, Abigroup and UGL. Belinda has also worked at major law firms in both Australia and Hong Kong, including Minter Ellison and K&L Gates.

Life
Belinda enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, walking her dog, reading and avoiding cooking. She loves going on holidays to tropical destinations, which always seem to be near decent surf (thanks to her husband).

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Mitch Flynn

Group Manager - Defence & Federal Government

Career
Mitch has more than 10 years’ experience delivering projects and programs for the Defence and Government sectors – from $500k up to $180m. He joined SHAPE in 2021, after working alongside the business in various roles over the past decade. With a background founded in client-side project management, Mitch has a strong focus on people and establishing strong relationships in all his dealings. As Group Manager – Defence & Federal Government, he provides detailed insights to growth strategies and business development, strengthens and builds relationships, and ensures client satisfaction is achieved nationally.

Mitch is a Committee Member of the Property Council of Australia's ACT Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Life
Born and bred in Canberra, Mitch is an avid sports fan and supports the GWS Giants and Canberra Raiders. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf, collecting (and drinking) wine, and relaxing over good food with family and friends.

Cameron Aitken

Group Manager - Modular

'Cam'

Career
Cameron brings more than 20 years of construction industry experience in Australia and the UK to his role as the national leader of SHAPE’s modular capabilities. Having spent more than 15 years with SHAPE, both in Sydney and Melbourne, Cameron has a reputation for solving complex problems and delivering technically challenging construction projects. His expertise in risk management, stakeholder management and customer experience are what drives the exceptional outcomes on his projects.

Life
Cameron loves sports, particularly the Sydney Swans and NBA, going surfing and playing golf. He feels most relaxed when camping or enjoying excellent coffee, wine and food, particularly dim sims and hot jam doughnuts.

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George Panacheril

Group Manager - Growth & Strategy

Career
George has more than 25 years’ experience in construction, mining and transportation engineering. His wide variety of roles have taken him and his family to the US, India and Zambia, and finally, Australia. George has been part of the SHAPE team since 2007 and is responsible for strategy and innovation. He holds a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering from Drexel University and an MBA (Technology Management) from Deakin University.

Life
George became a die-hard Hawthorn fan after discovering a passion for AFL upon moving to Australia. His favourite place on earth is South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.

Amro Salem

General Manager - Design & Build, AFM

Career
Amro is a results-driven, commercial real-estate, and design and construction professional, with more than 21 years of proven experience managing multi-million-dollar commercial real-estate deals and projects across client side, design, fit-out, construction and development management. Returning to SHAPE in 2024 after two decades gaining local and global experience implementing operational, delivery and business practices across APAC, EMEA and the USA, Amro now leads a multi-disciplinary team that manages our clients’ entire project timeline from strategy, design and defect-free delivery. He is firmly committed to driving organisational success through strategic planning, best-in-breed technology, and effective people management.

Life
Amro is born and bred in Sydney. He is a father to three children and spends most of his free time supporting their cricket and basketball games. If he’s not with his family, he’s normally relaxing at the beach.

Michael Manikas

General Manager - DLG SHAPE

Career
Michael is a proud Biripi and Worimi man that is passionate about Indigenous engagement, particularly in the built environment, social impact issues and sustainability. Michael was appointed General Manager at DLG SHAPE in 2019, with the goal to make a serious impact on reconciliation and improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through employment and business opportunities. He has almost 30 years’ experience in the construction and not-for-profit space, and currently holds advisory positions with Western Sydney University and UTS. He is also a committee member of the Nominations, People and Culture Committee, and the Deputy Chair of Property Council of Australia’s NSW Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Life
Michael is a father of three girls and loves coaching their sports and getting involved in their musical interests.

SHAPE-Australia-National-Damian-La-Rosa

Damian La Rosa

General Manager - WA

Career
Damian is a trusted industry professional that brings a wealth of building and construction experience to the role of General Manager of WA. Since joining SHAPE as a cadet more than 20 years ago, Damian has gained vast experience and knowledge spanning a range of disciplines, from site to commercial management. With his ‘hands on’ approach, he has grown SHAPE Perth from $20M annual turnover to $70M, and to more than 45 people. Damian is passionate about delivering successful projects, mentoring, and developing the WA team, and maintaining SHAPE’s great culture.

Life
In his free time, Damian enjoys AFL, cooking and supports Fremantle. He believes in working ‘smarter not harder’.

SHAPE-Australia-National-Adam-Head

Adam Head

General Manager - VIC

Career
Adam joined SHAPE in 2008 as a Project Manager and has held several roles since, including Commercial Manager, Group Manager of Design & Construct, and most recently General Manager of Victoria. With more than 20 years of project management and construction experience, Adam offers a detailed understanding of project delivery. Through a partnership approach, Adam collaborates with clients in the office, hotel, education, healthcare, retail and speciality sectors to deliver projects on time and defect-free.

Life
Adam is a father to two boys, a dog, and a cat. He is a vinyl connoisseur and avid collector, keen runner, and a long-time Carlton Blues fan.

David Wood

General Manager - QLD

'Woodsy'

Career
David began his career in the construction industry in 2002 as a carpenter and since then has gained experience in all aspects of building, including managing teams of up to 50+ people and overseeing up to 200+ contractors. David has worked on award-winning projects ranging from $500,000 to $200 million in both commercial and high-end residential sectors. Throughout his career, he has gained experience in a variety of sectors including casinos, hotels, hospitality, health, education, corporate offices, and government.

Life
As an avid gym-goer, David begins most days with a workout. He loves water sports, such as surfing and jet skiing, and in 2012, was stung by an Irukandji jellyfish while on vacation with his family.

 

SHAPE-Australia-National-Grant-Patterson

Grant Patterson

General Manager - SA

Career
Grant brings significant industry and life experience to leading the SHAPE South Australian team. He is passionate about delivering successful projects for clients, building high performing teams, and maintaining SHAPE’s great culture – one that ensures ongoing success for the business and its industry partners and clients. He believes that successful projects are defined not just by end results, but also importantly, the client’s experience of our team and their journey along the way.

Life
Outside of work, Grant enjoys spending time relaxing with family and friends, and two dogs – Hugo and Alfie.

James Fitzgerald

General Manager - NSW

'Fitzy' 

Career
James has almost 20 years of project and contract management experience in construction, fitout and refurbishment in Sydney. Since joining SHAPE in 2011, he has progressed through the roles of Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Project Director, Commercial Manager and Senior Commercial Manager in NSW. His broad experience in managing complex and challenging projects, coupled with his fantastic focus on strengthening client relationships, makes him a strong leader for the NSW team.

Life
James loves nothing more than spending an afternoon with his family on the hill at North Sydney Oval, watching his beloved Northern Suburbs Rugby Club.

Tom Sparkes

General Manager - ACT & TAS

'Sparkesy'

Career
Tom has been a dedicated leader since starting in our Adelaide office in 2009. Now, Tom leads our teams as General Manager of ACT & TAS. He has extensive knowledge and experience in contract management and has built a reputation as a problem solver with a calm and methodical approach to delivering complex projects within tight budgets and schedules. Tom is a constructive leader who excels at creating and maintaining relationships between all stakeholders while motivating his team to achieve successful project deliveries every time.

Life
Born into a family of Architects, Tom formed a passion for construction from an early age. Originally from Mildura, Victoria, he is an avid sports fan and a cult member of St Kilda Football Club. He enjoys travel, wine, and food, particularly cooking Italian cuisine, and staying active with his wife Danni and two dogs Lenny and Willow.

SHAPE-Australia-National-Nicholas-Mills2

Nicholas Mills

General Manager - NT

Career
Nicholas has been working with SHAPE since 2008, starting as a Site Supervisor with a can-do attitude and a desire to learn and develop. He has progressed from site roles to project management while gaining experience and leadership capabilities across four of SHAPE's branch, including Darwin, Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane. In his previous role as Regional Manager, Nicholas contributed to significant growth for the NT branch, which has more than doubled in size since 2017.

Life
A proud husband to his wife, Nicole, and father to four young boys, Nicholas loves spending time with his family, swimming to escape the heat in Darwin, fishing, camping, and playing soccer.

Diversity & Inclusion

We strive to build a workforce that is as diverse as the world we live in. We firmly believe that diverse teams create exceptional results, but only if every person in that team feels included. By putting people first and understanding them on an individual level, we strive for our people, subcontractors, and clients to feel valued and comfortable to be themselves, share ideas, and support each other.

Workplace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan

We work hard to deliver on our ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan’, which promotes equal pay, career development, and opportunity across our entire organisation. This includes eliminating unconscious bias, the active promotion of women into management roles, and supporting flexible working arrangements.

Reconciliation Action Plan

We are working to establish deeper, more meaningful relationships and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and businesses. We launched our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2015, and having now achieved all the targets of our second RAP, we are planning to move to the next stage, a Stretch RAP.

Strong Relationships with Our Partners

SHAPE is renowned for consistently delivering exceptional project outcomes. It’s why our NPS has remained above 80 for six consecutive years. But it’s not what we deliver that makes us different, it’s how we go about it; how our people work together, how they treat our subcontractors and suppliers, and how they make our clients feel. 

Don’t take our word for it. Hear from our partners:

A Great Place to Work

Through the use of world-renowned culture and engagement measurement tools, SHAPE’s culture has consistently been rated as a positive one. To us, it’s a welcome recognition of the type of workplace we’ve worked so hard to create. We’re one of three Australian companies to receive the Cultural Excellence Achievement Award, marking our sixth year of sustaining our constructive workplace culture.

“SHAPE’s culture is one of the best in the industry. Since starting at SHAPE as a Cadet more than 10 years ago, I’ve always been supported and encouraged to reach my career goals while taking the time I need to raise my young family." 

Nadim Abboud - Project Manager at SHAPE

A Career at SHAPE

We find that what brings people to SHAPE is the diverse experience, career progression, and project opportunities available in a variety of sectors, construction types, and project sizes across Australia. However, our people stay with us because of the experience we provide and our personalised approach to career satisfaction, catering to each employee’s specific interests, career goals, and life aspirations. We’d love to meet you, so please keep up to date with our career opportunities.