Driven by leading and collaborating
An ongoing interest in construction and seeing the positive change it can have on communities is what attracted Ryan Edgar to the construction industry. Now, just over 15 years into his career, he’s a lead project manager and shareholder in Foster Construction BOP Limited.
Ryan started on the construction pathway with a Bachelor of Surveying from the University of Otago. He then spent 10 years working overseas – specifically the United Kingdom and Australia – in project management roles for infrastructure and commercial construction projects. He returned to New Zealand in 2021, settling in the Bay of Plenty and joining Fosters.
Loyal, hardworking and a natural leader, Ryan embodies ‘The Fosters Way’. “I am driven by leading and collaborating with teams towards a common goal and delivering a high-quality product for the client. Something I enjoy about Fosters is their focus on good relationships being a key to success, they place high value on client and sub-contractor collaboration,” says Ryan.
Similarly, the Fosters’ purpose, which is to create built environments where community can thrive, aligns well with Ryan’s initial attraction to the industry. “The Village Ōmokoroa is a good example of the way construction can bring a community together. It’s something that Fosters does exceptionally well” he adds.
In addition to The Village Ōmokoroa, other notable projects that Ryan has worked on include Prahran Square, which transformed an old car park into a dynamic and inviting public space, and 510 Church Street, a commercial office development – both in Melbourne.
He’s currently leading the Metlifecare Somervale Village redevelopment. An ambitious project, targeting a 7 Homestar rating, it was begun in August 2022. Fosters are building an amenities block, featuring 30 apartments, a pool, gym, cafe, salon, activities room and more. With sustainability being key, it involves new materials, and innovative construction methods. More importantly, notes Ryan, it will serve as a new community hub for the Somervale Village.
Currently working on his MBA through Waikato University, Ryan is focused on furthering his education in business management and leadership.
