From highway engineer to leading 150 people: Archana on project controls, mentorship, and believing in your potential on the days it feels hardest

From highways to high‑impact leadership, meet Archana. Read how she shaped a career rooted in growth, confidence, and building future‑ready teams.

Archana started her career as a highway design engineer. Twenty years later, she leads a team of over 150 people.

Today, Archana is a Delivery Manager and Group Head for the Project Planning and Controls team within GTC’s PPS business. Her job, in plain terms, is making sure complex global programmes run properly, that governance works, reporting is accurate, risks are visible early, and the people doing the work have what they need to deliver well.

“Ultimately, my work enables clients and leaders to make decisions with confidence,” she says, “while building PMO teams that are future-ready and aligned to global delivery standards.”
 

A career that kept evolving

The move from highway design to project controls wasn’t a sudden pivot, it was a gradual discovery. “Early on, I discovered a strong passion for project management, which led me to pursue advanced education and certifications while taking on increasing responsibility in quality, controls, and governance roles.”

Since joining AtkinsRéalis, the trajectory has accelerated. She moved from a project controller role into shaping PMO capability across major global programmes, establishing governance standards, and leading resource and demand management. “My progression hasn’t been about titles,” she says. “It’s been about responsibility, influence, and being able to make a meaningful difference.”

One milestone stands out. “Winning the GTC Quality Champion Award in the 2025 Excellence in Quality Awards was a defining moment that boosted my confidence and reaffirmed the impact of my work.”

And after returning from a sabbatical, she stepped into a strategic leadership role, supported by leaders who made the transition seamless.
 

The part she’s most proud of

Ask Archana what’s most rewarding about her career and it’s not the programmes or the frameworks. It’s the people.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been seeing how giving, whether time, mentorship, encouragement, or opportunity, truly helps people grow.”

“I’ve had team members who came in unsure of their strengths, and through consistent coaching, honest feedback, and giving them meaningful responsibility, I watched them evolve in remarkable ways. Several of them have since grown to become my peers and are now leading teams themselves.” 

That’s not just a nice story, it’s a leadership philosophy. “Growth often starts with someone simply being willing to invest in you. By creating space for people to lead, trusting them with stretch assignments, and reminding them of what they’re capable of, you can help unlock potential they may not see in themselves.”
 

Trust and ownership

When Archana talks about the culture, she keeps coming back to trust. 

“People are given space to grow, take ownership, and bring their strengths forward, while still feeling supported by leaders and colleagues. It’s a culture that values openness, encourages collaboration, and truly invests in developing its people.”

What helps her do her best work is the combination of autonomy and support. “I’m empowered to take ownership, but also supported with the right expertise and open communication, which makes delivering at scale both effective and rewarding.”
 

Her advice

“Believe in your potential even on the days when self-doubt feels louder. Many of us experience imposter syndrome, especially when stepping into new roles or bigger stages, but don’t let that hold you back.”

“Lean into opportunities even if you don’t feel 100% ready, because growth happens on the other side of discomfort. Surround yourself with mentors and allies who help you see your strengths clearly, challenge you constructively, and remind you of your capabilities.”

If you’re looking for a place that empowers you to lead, grow, and make a real difference, explore career opportunities at AtkinsRéalis.