In the latest installment of “Spotlight On”, we spoke to Assistant Facility Manager, Jacky Lau. Jacky told us about the beginning of his FM career in Hong Kong, and what it’s like to be part of a fast growing FM team with Bouygues in Eastern Canada.
What do you do?
I am Jacky, an Assistant Facility Manager primarily based in Toronto. I am currently an operational lead for multiple service contracts in the GTA region, for both hard FM and soft FM.
On a daily basis, I liaise with clients to ensure that the services we are providing to their portfolios are excellent. I work with both in-house team members and outsourced contractors to ensure that client expectations and requirements are met.
What led you to your current role?
I’ve always worked in the FM industry, and started my career in Hong Kong as a graduate trainee in the FM department, for one of the world’s largest charitable organizations.
Back in late 2020, I was hired as Facility Administrator to support the business in the GTA with Bouygues.
Following the growth of our operational activities in the GTA, I was promoted from Facilities Administrator to Assistant Facility Manager, which included taking more responsibility for operational activities.
What do you enjoy about your role and working for Bouygues?
One of the most interesting, yet challenging, aspects of working for Bouygues would be the expanding pipeline in Ontario; I am always engaged in managing the full life cycle of the project, from planning to implementation.
In Ontario, the expansion of our business has led to more exposure of different industries, and the opportunities to work with various stakeholders.
From the bidding process, we have had the opportunity to start projects from scratch by working alongside the client to understand their needs, which ultimately allows us to provide excellent services during the operational phase.
What is the most important aspect of FM?
We always say FM is all about people, process, place and technology. As the operational lead of different projects, it is important to embrace changes from all of these perspectives and recognize any opportunities in enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.
It’s also important to demonstrate to the clients that we are their business partner who work alongside with them and put ourselves into their shoes, add value and bring operational efficiencies to the contract.
Do you have anything else you’d like to share?
I am thankful to work alongside with Kingsley Fixon (Contracts Manager) and Matthieu Dannoot (Regional Operations Director) who are really experienced in the industry and the company. They have always guided me whenever I have faced the obstacles. Our team dynamic continues to develop, and has made us as a strong team in providing operational excellence to the client.
We spoke to Matthieu Dannoot, Jacky’s Manager, who told us what it’s like to have Jacky on the team:
“Since joining in November 2020, Jacky has quickly become instrumental in supporting the development of our activities in Ontario with both public sector and private sector clients.
Jacky now manages a portfolio of data centres in the GTA and is one of our key mobilization resources for our next addition (Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) headquarters) which commences services in 2022).
Jacky’s consistent positive attitude, organization and calm demeanor has made a big impact on the FM activities, this side of the country, especially when dealing with prestigious clients and time sensitive deadlines.”
“Spotlight On” is a series that introduces our key team members of Bouygues E&S Canada, for previous features, take a look at our news section.