10 years in five minutes with Nick Raffan

Five minutes with Nick Raffan 

To mark General Manager Nick Raffan’s 10 year Mono-versary, we caught up with him to learn more about his career journey and some of the highlights so far.  

After completing my Mechanical Engineering and Commerce degree at UWA, I began my career journey at a small company called Enerflex, later rebranded as Aerison. My initial focus revolved around developing dust and acoustics solutions tailored for mining and oil and gas clients. Working at Enerflex meant wearing multiple hats, from Design and Project Engineer to Construction and Operations Manager. It was a dynamic environment where you had to roll up your sleeves and dive into every aspect of a project. The exposure I gained was invaluable. 

After a decade of growth and learning at Enerflex, I transitioned to Monadelphous. Known for its reputation and promising career opportunities, Monos seemed like the big leagues to me. 

Since joining Monadelphous, I've been part of Maintenance and Industrial Services. I started as a Project Manager in Sustaining Capital, then worked my way up to roles like Area Manager, Operations Manager, and eventually, General Manager five years ago. 

My journey at Monos highlights the opportunities for career development. My advice? Soak up the knowledge, tackle challenges head-on, and grab every opportunity that comes your way. 

Reflecting on my career, many of the memorable moments to date have emerged from the most challenging situations. 

Take the Whaleback Fire Recovery project, for instance. When our customer faced significant fire damage to their screenhouse, halting their mining operations, Monadelphous swiftly mobilised an "A" team. Despite the intense pressure and technical complexities, our team rallied together to rebuild the structure swiftly and safely. 

Then there's the story of the BHP maintenance contract takeover, a frantic undertaking accepted on short notice. With just three days to mobilise for the first shutdown, we mobilised nearly 200 new recruits along with key leaders from across the business. Those initial months went by at a rapid pace, but the sense of achievement was unparalleled. 

At Monadelphous, our culture sets us apart. We genuinely care for each other, lending a hand and sharing laughs along the way. It's a rare blend of camaraderie and support that makes it great! 

But life isn't all about work. On weekends, you'll find me cheering on the kids at their sports events or unwinding at a nice bar or restaurant. Lately, I've been indulging in the Mr. & Mrs. Smith series on Prime and binge-watching It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. 

Around the house, let's just say I've discovered my true calling as an engineer. DIY projects? More like DIY disasters, with a few trips to the doctors for good measure!