Senior Cost Control Manager Victor Gracia was interested in construction from a young age. After studying civil engineering and beginning his career at an engineering firm, he realized he wanted to get closer to the work itself.
“I wanted to be on site, see the work being built and understand how projects come together in the real world,” he said. “That first year with Dragados in Spain totally exceeded my expectations of how interesting a construction site could be.”
That experience set his career in motion, eventually leading to opportunities in the United States and Canada.
His transition into project controls was not something he had planned. While working with J.F. White, a FlatironDragados subsidiary, on the Interstate91 Viaduct Rehabilitation project in the U.S., Victor began implementing a project controls system that was new to his team. What started as a project need gradually opened an entirely different career path.
“My own career certainly didn’t follow a path I could have predicted when I started, and I think that’s one of the great things about this industry,” he said.
Career growth across projects, roles and borders
International mobility became one of the most formative parts of Victor’s career. Each move introduced him to new cultures, teams and ways of working while allowing him to keep growing within the organization.
“Every country, project and team exposes you to different cultures, backgrounds and ways of working,” he said.
Along the way came greater ownership. Victor progressed from supporting work in the field to leading cost control efforts, guiding project controls teams and contributing to broader commercial and project decisions.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge was his first megaproject, giving him experience working across countries, organizations and disciplines.
“It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime project,” he said. “I feel very proud of having contributed to the development of such a landmark.”
More recently, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension has allowed him to broaden his experience beyond cost control and deepen his understanding of project controls and commercial management.
Evolving a Career in Construction at FlatironDragados
Victor credits much of his growth to the people who trusted him along the way.
“I’ve been very fortunate with the mentors and leaders I’ve worked with,” he said. “Each of them has left me with a little of their knowledge, trusted me with new responsibilities and encouraged me to find my own path rather than follow a predetermined one.”
That combination of trust, mobility and experience has allowed Victor to continue evolving without following one prescribed career path.
“A company like FlatironDragados has an enormous variety of roles, projects and geographical opportunities, and I think that’s something worth taking advantage of,” he said.
He encourages others to stay open to opportunities, even when they fall outside the plan.
“Being in your comfort zone is good, but stepping outside of it can be even better,” he said.
“You end up with great stories to tell, experiences you never expected to have and colleagues who often become friends across the country, the continent or even the world.”
Looking ahead, Victor wants to keep growing in project controls and commercial management, take on challenges that push him outside his comfort zone and eventually become a mentor to the next generation.
Learn about career opportunities at FlatironDragados on our Careers Page.