How curiosity and collaboration have shaped Zoe Dromgool’s rail career

Taking on responsibility early and learning through experience

Zoe Dromgool, a mechanical engineer in our rail team, credits her growth to the trust placed in her early in her career, embracing opportunities beyond her comfort zone, and building confidence through hands-on project delivery, collaboration and continuous learning.

Taking a ride on City Rail Link during the testing phase.

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

I am part of the rail team, working across projects that connect different parts of the rail industry. My role includes site-based inspections, client and contractor coordination, project control and technical delivery. I am currently supporting the delivery of KiwiRail’s Track Evaluation Car programme, carrying out City Rail Link testing and assurance works on behalf of KiwiRail and helping define Auckland Transport’s Rail Safety Assurance Framework.

Tell us about a recent project and how you delivered excellence

Delivering excellence meant staying organised, safety focused and adaptable across regions, while keeping the work aligned with our clients’ requirements and the broader goal of improving rail asset data. A recent project I am proud of is KiwiRail’s Track Evaluation Car programme. I helped coordinate a survey across New Zealand’s rail network, including access through the Auckland and Wellington metro areas. This involved working closely with stakeholders to support safe delivery and maintain compliance with KiwiRail’s protocols, both on-site and off-site.

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

Be curious, say yes to opportunities that stretch you and make an effort to build relationships across the business. The more you connect with people, understand different teams and show interest in what others are working on, the easier it becomes to find opportunities and shape a path that suits your strengths.

My best learning has come from asking questions, getting involved in work outside my comfort zone and learning directly from colleagues with different specialisms. Being open to feedback and willing to try unfamiliar things has helped me build confidence, broaden my understanding of the rail industry and recognise where I can add value.

How does Mott MacDonald’s trust in its people influence your approach to your work?

Being trusted to take on opportunities beyond what would typically be expected at graduate level has helped me grow quickly, build confidence and understand the wider business. It has shown me that trust is not just about being given responsibility, but also being supported to learn, ask questions and contribute meaningfully.

That trust has given me exposure to clients, contractors and key industry stakeholders, while allowing me to begin building strong professional relationships. It has also helped me see how my work contributes to project outcomes, client goals and the broader delivery of safe, reliable infrastructure.

Being pushed out of her comfort zone has helped Zoe to develop her confidence and embrace opportunities to lead and support rail project delivery.

Can you share a project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of and explain why it stands out to you?

I am particularly proud to work on City Rail Link because it is such a significant part of New Zealand’s railway system. Supporting KiwiRail through testing, commissioning and quality assurance has given me the opportunity to learn quickly, try new things and build relationships across KiwiRail, Link Alliance and the wider rail industry. The project stands out because it has allowed me to grow my technical knowledge, spend time on site, and help support the delivery of major rail infrastructure to a high standard of safety, quality and compliance.

Can you describe a time when teamwork at Mott MacDonald or collaboration with colleagues from different specialisms led to a successful outcome?

On the Auckland Transport Design Manuals work, collaboration with technical experts across Mott MacDonald and Auckland Transport subject matter experts has been essential. Through workshops and technical discussions, we brought together different perspectives to turn operational needs, user outcomes and practical design considerations into clear engineering requirements for future interchanges and facilities. It showed me how strong collaboration relies on listening carefully, asking practical questions, coordinating efficiently and building trust across teams. I especially valued the opportunity to connect with people across the company and contribute to work that will support more consistent, user-focused public transport infrastructure.

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

My team brings strong experience in project, design and construction management, which was initially new to me and outside my comfort zone. Over the past two years, their support has helped me build confidence in leadership, communication and coordination, while developing my understanding of Mott MacDonald’s business systems, winning work, project controls and successful project delivery. This has been reflected in my rail project experience, where I have supported client and contractor coordination, site-based inspections and project controls across our projects. I now feel much more confident embracing opportunities to lead, facilitate and support project delivery.

Zoe and her team working on City Rail Link.

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

By communicating openly, setting clear expectations and making space for different perspectives. I believe people do their best work when they feel respected, listened to and able to contribute honestly. Wherever possible, I make an effort to ensure quieter voices are heard, even when that means respectfully challenging those more senior than me. For me, collaboration works best when people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas and constructively challenging each other.

What feels different about working in an employee-owned business?

Working in an employee-owned business means there is a genuine sense of pride in the company and its future. You can see this in Mott MacDonald’s leadership and in the way people take ownership of their work, support each other and think beyond their individual roles. It helps create a more collaborative culture, where people are encouraged to contribute ideas, share responsibility and work together towards long-term outcomes.

At work, how do you manage your safety and wellbeing?

By preparing properly, understanding the risks before going to site and speaking up if something does not feel right. For wellbeing, I try to keep a sustainable workload, ask for support when needed and make time outside work to reset. Clear communication with my team also helps manage pressure early.