BrazilNanne Hurts and Ahmed Jabr on their projects and social impact at Turner & Townsend
Nanne Hurts (Director of Project Management) and Ahmed Jabr (Cost Manager and Corporate Responsibility Lead) are both senior members of Turner & Townsend’s team in the Netherlands. We spoke with them about their career journey, projects, and the firm’s commitment to delivering project excellence while making a positive impact on society.
Can you share a bit about your career journey and what brought you to Turner & Townsend?
Nanne: After working as a consultant for Shell in Gabon, West Africa, from 2013 to 2015, I realised my passion for working in an international environment where I could physically create something for people. I wanted to contribute to building a better, safer, and more sustainable world.
I studied at the Hotelschool in The Hague, where I gained my first international work experience at a hotel in Martinique. It was there that I learned to speak French, manage projects, and work with people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences turned out to be the perfect foundation for managing construction projects.
In 2015, I joined Turner & Townsend as a project manager, taking on my first construction project for Microsoft in Luxembourg. Nine years later, I am now a director responsible for project management services in the Netherlands. Over time, my passion has evolved from managing individual projects to leading teams and individuals.
Ahmed: With a background in civil engineering, I began my career as a structural engineer before transitioning into cost consultancy, which aligned with my master’s degree in engineering management. My experience spans real estate and, for the past four years, infrastructure.
This diverse background led me to view Turner & Townsend as the ultimate destination for multidisciplinary opportunities. The company's global presence and its commitment to professional growth resonated with me. I joined the firm early 2024 and I am excited to continue developing and exploring broader capacities in the future.
Can you tell us about the latest project you’ve worked on?
Ahmed: As a Risk and Cost Manager for Schiphol Airport’s new A-pier project, I have worked on a highly critical and complex initiative within the airport's expansion trajectory. This project, the first major one in the expansion plan, faced significant challenges.
Recovering from setbacks to complete the project within budget required meticulous cost control and risk management. I’ve learned that even small risks can have far-reaching consequences, so it’s essential to address them proactively through collaboration and mitigation strategies. This project, the largest I’ve worked on, has expanded my understanding of how to manage costs effectively in high-pressure environments.
Nanne: Building on my earlier work with Shell in Gabon, I joined the team of Shell in Amsterdam in 2019. Initially, I worked as a Programme Manager in Facility Management, overseeing a portfolio of 300 small projects. This role gave me a solid understanding of the organisation and its operations.
After returning from maternity leave in 2021, I was invited to join a team exploring the possibility of transitioning Shell Amsterdam into a multi-tenant building. The goal was to make better use of the space by opening it to third parties, fostering collaboration on energy transition challenges.
Today, the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam is home to over 30 organisations working together to tackle some of the world’s biggest energy challenges. I’m proud to have contributed to this transformation, which reflects meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.
You both worked together on a corporate social responsibility initiative. Can you tell us about the project and its impact?
Ahmed: We collaborated on a social responsibility initiative part of our JINC partnership, called ‘Boss for a Day’, which introduces children from socio-economically disadvantaged areas to the professional world. During this event, children spend a day as a CEO, director, or politician, shadowing a leader to gain exposure to different career paths.
The experience aims to boost students' self-confidence, broaden their horizons, and help them realise that the business world is accessible to them.
Nanne: In June 2024, I had the pleasure of taking two children with me to show them what a day in my life as a director looks like. I brought them to the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam (ETCA), where Turner & Townsend is helping Shell create an inspiring space for collaboration on energy transition challenges.
The construction was in full swing, and I took the children on-site, dressed in safety boots, helmets, and goggles, to inspect the progress. Together, we examined the project's safety and quality and presented our findings to the client.
By exposing these children to new environments and introducing them to different people, I hoped to inspire them about their future possibilities. I also assured them they could reach out to me anytime for advice - whether it’s making career decisions, building a network, or unlocking opportunities that might otherwise seem out of reach.
What are Turner & Townsend’s key goals in the area of corporate responsibility?
Ahmed: We aim to create opportunities for underserved communities by giving them a glimpse into professional life through initiatives like flash internships and our JINC Baas van Morgen activity.
Our corporate responsibility activities also include organising team participation in events like World Cleanup Day, raising awareness about sustainability, and promoting environmentally conscious choices. For example, we encourage our team to rethink everyday habits, such as their commuting methods, to reduce their environmental impact.
Educating and inspiring team members to prioritise corporate responsibility is central to my vision. Every employee is given one paid day per calendar year to participate in a volunteer activity. By embedding corporate responsibility into our work, we not only benefit the communities we serve but also enrich our personal and professional growth.
Nanne: At Turner & Townsend, corporate responsibility values are deeply rooted in our focus on people. Successful projects aren’t just about delivering results – they’re also about supporting and empowering the people involved.
The firm emphasises diversity and inclusion within mitsy teams, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and grow. We’re committed to the well-being and development of team members by offering mentorship, guidance, and opportunities to help them thrive in their careers. By fostering a positive and inclusive culture, Turner & Townsend aims to create a ripple effect that enhances the impact of our projects.
Finally, what advice would you give to professionals aspiring to work in project and cost management?
Nanne: Stay curious and embrace every learning opportunity. Project management requires a passion for problem-solving, a drive to achieve results, and an eye for detail. Build relationships, work hard, and focus on both the technical and human aspects of the work. With commitment and a sense of purpose, you can lead successful projects that create lasting value.
Ahmed: Pay attention to detail while keeping the bigger picture in mind. Build relationships and network within the industry. Don’t shy away from roles slightly outside your expertise - they may be challenging but will ultimately broaden your skills and perspective.
