Michael Braiden MCIOB, project director at Morgan Sindall Construction, was faced with adversity when bad weather destroyed a critical 100-metre retaining wall of Maybole Community Campus in South Ayrshire.

The £59 million project suddenly found itself 12 weeks behind schedule, so Braiden was drafted in to help salvage the build.

Using his forty-plus years of experience, he quickly restructured the project team, introduced independent testing to ensure compliance, and led a collaborative planning approach to reclaim lost time.

Despite the setbacks, the project was completed in just 151 weeks, and Braiden’s efforts were rewarded with a CIOB Construction Manager of the Year award in the Education category.

Speaking after picking up his award at a glittering black-tie ceremony at London’s Hilton Metropole Hotel, Braiden, senior operations manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “I’d like to sincerely thank the CIOB judging panel for this award - it’s a real honour to be named Gold winner in the Project Manager of the Year (Education) category. This recognition is not only for me, but the team who made this project possible.

“Maybole Community Campus was a technically and logistically complex scheme, delivered across multiple phases and within close proximity to a live school environment. It brought together a wide range of facilities - from early years to secondary education, community sports and even a police office - and demanded true collaboration at every stage.

“For me, this award is recognition of what we can achieve when we work with purpose, clarity and trust. I hope it shines a light on the brilliant work happening across our projects and inspires confidence in what we can continue to deliver.”

Caroline Gumble, CEO at CIOB, added: “Michael’s leadership on the Maybole Community Campus project, particularly in the face of significant challenges, demonstrates the kind of professionalism and determination the CIOB Awards are designed to recognise. I congratulate Michael on this well-deserved achievement.”

The CIOB Awards celebrate individuals and teams who have delivered exceptional outcomes in construction management. Braiden joins an esteemed group of industry leaders recognised for their excellence at this year’s event.