One day he’s tackling traffic engineering and the next thinking about flora and fauna. Introducing our latest Secret Star, Frasers Property Industrial planning and infrastructure manager Paul Solomon.

Paul Solomon, Planning and Infrastructure Manager, Frasers Property Industrial

Three words to describe my job… Challenging. Though provoking. Satisfying.

When I explain my role to people outside the property industry, I say… To colloquialise it, I’m involved in the development of industrial land, focusing on the technical aspects across planning and engineering. One day I might be tackling traffic engineering and the next environmental flora and fauna considerations! I co-ordinate the design across multiple disciplines to get it ready for construction and then hand it over to colleagues to build it.

My three daily work essentials are… all wrapped up into my morning – coffee, exercise and a healthy breakfast. My go to is eggs and salmon on toast with avocado, which sets me up for the day after my gym session every morning of weights and a one kilometre swim.

The biggest lesson I’ve learnt in my role… You never stop learning – I’m constantly coming to that realisation. Sometimes you have to step back and see the big picture. The nature of my role means I drill down on the details but stepping back and seeing it from other people’s perspective is critical. This approach can help create win/win outcomes for everyone involved in the project.

My career motivation is… that each project is a challenge and comes with a chance to grow my own skills and knowledge.

My advice to others considering a career in my field… Always keep an open mind and be solutions focused, not problem focused. Listen to others and be open to looking at things from other people’s perspectives. Your way may not be the only way.

The building or project that embodies what I do… Our recently approved industrial community ‘The YARDS’ at Kemps Creek. This project is challenging the traditional view of industrial precincts and I’ve been working in the background for the past two years with industry colleagues to drive the rezoning of the land. I worked closely with stakeholders and government to bring them on this journey, and now the project is progressing to its next stage of development successfully.

The inspirational quote I live by… Enjoy every day and what you’re doing.

This year I’ll be… getting out in nature more with my daughters. We’re looking forward to big bushwalks, beach getaways on the South Coast around Jervis Bay and maybe even exploring up into the Blue Mountains.

 

Who nominated Paul? Ian Barter, General Manager, Northern Region, Frasers Property Industrial

Why is Paul a Secret Star Paul is responsible for all the approvals we need to start a development, and most importantly he works with councils to get land rezoned so we can acquire more land. This is not an easy task and takes a lot of strategy, stakeholder management and complex problem solving on Paul’s part. This is a role that can sometimes fly under the radar but is instrumental to the business.