Taking initiative across borders to deliver stronger water projects
At a glance
Marielle Salom’s career has been shaped by curiosity, initiative and a drive to make a difference in water infrastructure. From starting as an undergraduate with CPB Contractors to becoming a project manager at GHD, she has built experience across transport and water projects. Her work in the UK, recognised with the 2026 Association for Project Management (APM) Emerging Project Professional Award, reflects her ability to lead complex projects while delivering meaningful outcomes for communities.
Finding purpose in water projects
Marielle’s journey into project management began early. While studying civil engineering, she gained hands-on experience as an undergraduate at CPB Contractors. During this time, she developed an interest in wastewater treatment and the role water projects play in addressing climate pressures and population growth.
Reflecting on what drew her to the sector, Marielle says, “It felt like an area where I could make a difference, especially for the community.”
That interest in water infrastructure continued after she joined GHD, where she progressed through the Graduate Program into project management by taking every opportunity that came her way. The combination of technical grounding and project exposure set the tone for her career. “It gave me a broad view of how infrastructure projects come together across disciplines,” she says.
Working across transport, property and water projects has given Marielle a practical understanding of project delivery while maintaining a focus on community outcomes.
Stepping into global experience in the UK
Marielle’s move to the UK in 2024 marked a turning point. Supported through GHD’s Global Mobility Program, the move gave her the opportunity to work in a new environment and broaden her experience. From the interview stage through to relocation, the support she received helped her navigate the transition with confidence.
Professionally, the move meant greater responsibility within a smaller team, with direct involvement in contractor coordination and contract management.
Working closely with contractors required new commercial awareness and sharper decision-making, while the smaller team structure meant leading engagements with less day-to-day support.
You get thrown in the deep end in a smaller team. You take on more responsibility and learn quickly.”
The experience also broadened her leadership style. Collaborating with teams across the UK exposed her to new ways of working and perspectives that continue to influence how she leads projects and builds relationships.
Delivering impact through the UK Storm Spill Reduction Programme
In the UK, Marielle took on a key role in the Storm Spill Reduction Programme (SSRP), working with Yorkshire Water and contractor Galliford Try. The programme focused on reducing sewer overflows across multiple sites to address environmental and community impacts.
Heavy rainfall can overwhelm sewer systems, causing wastewater spills. Maintaining a large and complex network adds another layer of difficulty.
As project manager, Marielle led the delivery of 15 schemes in parallel, coordinating teams, managing schedules and maintaining close communication with stakeholders under tight deadlines.
Each location required a solution suited to local conditions rather than a one-size-fits-all design. Nature-based and blue-green infrastructure were prioritised where possible, supported by more traditional solutions when needed.
Her contribution to the programme was later recognised with the 2026 APM Emerging Project Professional Award.
Bringing global insights back to Australia
Back in Australia, Marielle has been applying lessons from the UK to projects across Victoria, including regional work with water authorities such as Coliban Water.
One key lesson has been the importance of understanding regional contexts. Working on projects in smaller towns provided insights into community needs that translate directly to regional areas like Bendigo and Castlemaine.
As Marielle explains, “Working in smaller towns overseas has helped me understand how regional communities operate and what they need from water projects.”
Leading projects in the UK also strengthened Marielle’s client engagement skills through direct interaction with clients and contractors. “It shaped how I communicate, build trust and respond to different expectations across projects,” she says.
Her time overseas also introduced her to different ways of approaching water infrastructure challenges. The UK’s focus on environmental design and nature-based solutions has brought new thinking into local projects.
It’s about bringing global knowledge back and applying it locally, while also sharing what we do well here.”
Career growth through initiative and connections
For Marielle, career growth comes down to initiative and building relationships. She encourages early career professionals to rethink what networking looks like and where opportunities come from.
Much of her network has grown through everyday interactions rather than formal events. Simple conversations in the kitchen, site visits and client meetings all contribute to building strong professional connections. Taking initiative is equally important. Whether volunteering for site visits or starting new initiatives, she believes opportunities often come from asking questions and putting your hand up.
It’s about being curious and asking, ‘Can I do that?’ rather than waiting for someone to ask you.”
This mindset led her to establish a global young professionals network for project managers, connecting teams across regions and supporting knowledge sharing.
Taking opportunities, staying curious and being willing to step outside familiar environments have shaped Marielle’s career so far. As she continues to apply global experience to water projects in Australia, that mindset remains unchanged.
“I’ve always looked at my career as ‘a choose your own adventure’.”