Jack Riley Smith served in the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment & 2nd Ranger Regiment for over 13 years, attaining the rank of Sergeant, leaving in 2023. Jack advised he was the “training department sergeant for the last part of my career, where I would help plan and deliver training packages to soldiers deploying abroad. Prior to that I was a team sergeant managing the logistical side of my team both homeland and globally. Prior to that I was a section commander, used as the lead tactics instructor to deliver operational output in east/west Africa.”
A typical day for Jack “planning NCO cadre pre screenings (promotional courses), running range packages and assisting on the all-arms ranger cadre as both an instructor and observer mentor.”
With regards to the key skills from Jack’s time serving “communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, teaching foreign militaries who often spoke little to no English and still being able to get my point across, communicating with more than just words. The ability to effectively communicate and plan with people from across the globe. I also think time keeping is a great skill I gained through the army and how to prioritise, take risks and decision make.”
Jack’s current role is an Operations Manager on the Northampton schools PFI contract with Amey. Jack advised “I began networking on LinkedIn heavily towards to the end of my time where I found BuildForce. During my transition I was amazed at the support that is out there for people leaving the forces. I also experienced the usual stress and anxiety with leaving the comfort of the MOD. I would worry about paying my mortgage in the cost-of-living crisis, and doubting myself whether I was making the right decision and going to be good enough. I think this is normal for most squaddies. In hindsight it was the right decision for me”
Jack’s current role sees him manage 2 Area Managers and oversee fourteen schools across his zones. His daily tasks include advising and assisting area managers, help provide solutions to reactive problems which are encountered multiple times a day and keeping on top of compliance, health and safety. A typical day in the office sees him catch up with the team. Have meetings throughout the day on various topics, drive projects forward and also visit sites to ensure frontline staff are being engaged with by management and complying with the values of the company. “It’s worlds different from the Army, but I love it”.
Jack’s advice to anyone leaving the armed forces and seeking a career in construction is “don’t play yourself down, have confidence in yourself. Be humble and willing to learn. Contribute to planning, even though you haven’t got the technical experience. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes is all a problem needs.”
Jack advised the three words to describe a career in construction/FM include “fast, fun, reactive. I would describe fellow ex-military as punctual, effective and willing.”