Ridha Bentiba

What attracted you to HR Wallingford? 

My first experience of working with HR Wallingford was as a student doing an internship as part of my Master’s Engineering degree – I spent three months working mostly on data analysis on coastal management projects. My English wasn’t great at the time (I grew up in France), but the company made me feel extremely welcome, and I really enjoyed my time here. Then the opportunity came to join the company in 2002 as a Graduate Engineer, and I’ve been here ever since. 

How have you been able to progress your career?

I started with 3 years of numerical wave modelling in Coasts and Oceans, before moving over to the Engineering group, project managing large project mainly in oil and gas. I then moved over to the Middle East working as business development manager for the Middle East based in Dubai, before coming back to the UK to start a family. I had a period working as a Principal Engineer and Project Manager especially for industrial water projects, then went into management first as Group Manager for the Engineering Group in 2013 and then becoming Operations Director in November 2020. Each opportunity came at the right time, and I always felt that I was working with people who had trust in me and vice versa.  

Can you describe a typical day?

No two days are the same. Usually, there are a lot of meetings, often back to back, and lots of juggling of priorities. But that’s one of the things I really enjoy about the role – it’s one thing after another, but every day is so different. A lot of my work now is on operational and strategic matters, and the pandemic has added to the challenge both in terms of keeping our staff safe and developing new ways of working.

What do you find most challenging/rewarding about your work?

The most rewarding aspect is when you are able to achieve a breakthrough for a client. The most challenging aspect is probably managing staff especially during Covid and remote working. I’m proud of the way we’ve been able to communicate with and listen to our staff during the pandemic - we have done a lot of work to take on board their opinions regarding hybrid working. I think the hybrid model is definitely here to stay, which is a good thing for everyone.

Are there any specific projects you are really excited by or especially proud of?

One recent memorable project was working on the Old Doha Port Cruise Terminal and required channel upgrade and quay extension. This was interesting both scientifically and also from an engineering point of view. It was the first time we’d used plume dispersion forecasting to reduce the environmental impact of dredging.The Port now accommodates some of the largest cruise ships in the world. It started operating in autumn 2019 which was very exciting.

Going forward what do you anticipate will be the new opportunities for HR Wallingford?

Energy transition is a very significant area for us, as the world transitions away from oil and gas towards renewables. Water is at the heart of that so obviously we have a huge amount of expertise to offer. Generally climate change is focusing minds and generating opportunities for us to support on a whole range of climate services, such as climate change risk management, resilience, adaptation, cyclone modelling and so on.

What is the best thing about working here?

Working for a company with nice people, who do excellent technical work – it’s the best of both worlds. It’s a great place to work.

Do you have any advice to people who may want to pursue a career in STEM?

The possibilities and opportunities are vast. I studied mechanical engineering and it is the ability to think scientifically or as an engineer that matters, not the actual topic.

What's your message to potential staff and potential clients?

There are various development routes available including technical, management or business management. I’ve had the chance to experience all three. Opportunities are available, grab them and do your best to earn trust! My message to potential clients is: we have the expertise to solve your challenges and deliver your projects. Working with HR Wallingford means you will have access to world leading experts committed to work with you as trusted partners.

Outside work, what are your hobbies and interests?

I love sports, but with a busy job and two small children, I don’t have much time for this at the moment. Just pre pandemic I learnt to dinghy sail and I would like to pick this up again next spring. I also enjoy mountaineering and I recently climbed Sharp Edge, just north of Keswick in the Lake District. It was November, with less than favourable conditions and there were a couple of sticky moments! I guess it is good to challenge yourself once in a while! 

Do you have a signature dish and if so what is it? 

Spaghetti Bolognese. My secret is stick religiously to the recipe! In this case, BBC Good Food.