Amy Child: connecting teams and shaping transport in South Australia

Amy Child, our transport leader in South Australia, has a curious and flexible mindset. Her approach has helped her build strong connections across teams and contribute to projects spanning markets and locations.

Amy participated in a Roads Australia panel discussion on the integration of transport and housing in South Australia

What do you do at Mott MacDonald and what are you currently working on?

I lead the transport team in South Australia. My role is multi-faceted, and no two days are the same. It spans team management, resourcing, tendering, business development, legal reviews and project leadership. On the project side, I’ve been assisting with a piece of work exploring innovative and sustainable public transport options for Adelaide.

Tell us about a recent project and how you delivered excellence?

I work across a range of projects in different capacities, with a focus on helping teams deliver excellence for our clients. One of the key ways I do this is by guiding teams through Mott MacDonald’s processes. These systems provide a strong foundation for setting projects up for success. By ensuring compliance and consistency, we create clarity and confidence for both our teams and clients—ultimately enabling high-quality outcomes.

What advice would you give to someone looking to shape their own story at Mott MacDonald?

Shaping your own story at Mott MacDonald starts with curiosity and flexibility. In a large organisation like ours, it’s easy to feel siloed— technical disciplines, location, markets, etc. These structures help us operate effectively, but don’t let those boundaries limit your mindset.

Your skills are highly transferable. Look for opportunities to work on projects in different markets; this broadens your perspective and strengthens your adaptability. Also, think beyond your immediate location—explore roles or projects in other states or even countries.

The beauty of Mott MacDonald is its scale: there’s a wealth of opportunity here if you keep an open mind and actively seek it out. Stay flexible, build connections across teams, and be proactive in shaping the experiences that will define your career story.

Amy hiking in Tasmania in 2023

How do you strive to create an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment with your colleagues?

I strive to create an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive environment through open and honest communication. Everyone has their own pressures and priorities, so I make a conscious effort to put myself in their shoes.

As a leader, I also have my own challenges and balancing those while staying present isn’t always easy. A big part of building a strong team culture is encouraging my team to think beyond their own perspective: to consider how others might feel and what obstacles they may be facing.

I also remind myself and my team that we work in a space where privilege exists and that we lack diversity in some areas. It’s important to be self-aware and mindful of this reality—because understanding it helps us make better decisions, treat others with respect, and create opportunities for inclusion.

What opportunities have you had to grow your specialism or develop your career here?

Mott MacDonald has given me incredible opportunities to grow my career. One of the most significant was the chance to move interstate, which opened a whole new world for me—a new role, new projects, and different clients. This experience has broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to adapt, which I see as essential for long-term growth.

It also allowed me to build new connections—both within Mott MacDonald and across the wider transport industry. These relationships have been invaluable for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and creating opportunities for future projects.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Opportunities don’t just come to you—you need to seek them out. Be proactive in shaping your career. One of the most valuable things you can do is find a strong champion—someone who truly understands you, your drivers, and even your blind spots. A great champion can help you see how your skills are transferable and guide you toward opportunities you might not have considered. Building those relationships and staying curious will open doors you didn’t know existed.

What has been your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement has been obtaining all my higher education qualifications through part-time study. I studied for eight years while working full-time as a junior transport planner. This was a huge commitment, especially because I struggled at school—higher education always felt out of reach. I’m also proud of the life I have built in Australia. Originally from the United Kingdom, I have had the privilege of living in Perth, Melbourne and now South Australia.

Amy's partner Sam, Grover (a 6-year-old Boston Terrier) and Amy at the beach in Adelaide

What has been the biggest challenge you have had to face?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced was losing both of my parents by my mid-twenties. It was an incredibly difficult time, and I felt very lost—not quite knowing what direction to take. It’s not an experience where finding a silver lining comes easily, but it made me realise I needed to make a real change and create a new path for myself. That decision led me to move to Australia, which opened up new opportunities and shaped the career and life I have today.

What do you like to do on weekends or in your spare time?

I recently bought a beautiful 1930s Californian bungalow, so most of my weekends are currently spent at Bunnings (our local hardware store) or mowing the lawn! Outside of suburban living duties, I’m a big fan of food and wine, and living in South Australia means we have some amazing wineries right on our doorstep. Visiting them is one of my favourite weekend pastimes, along with bushwalking and hiking. I’m also a huge music fan and have recently dusted off my DJ equipment. I’m a bit rusty, but I’m enjoying playing some of my old house and techno records.

What is your favourite book and why?

I don’t read as often as I’d like, but when I do, I enjoy books by writers such as Margaret Atwood, Irvine Welsh, and Terry Pratchett. Margaret Atwood is a particular favourite because I’m drawn to dystopian landscapes. Right now, I’m reading Playing Nice Was Getting Me Nowhere by Alex Cothren, a collection of short, sharp satires. It’s a little Black Mirror-esque—highly recommend!

What do you like about the place you live?

One of my favourite things about where I live is the sense of space and the abundance of birdlife. I love waking up to the sound of birds. It’s also incredibly convenient, with easy access to the city by train and some fantastic cafés just a short walk away. It truly feels like the best of both worlds—quiet and relaxing yet still connected to everything I need.