Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: Meet Arisha Sucheran

Can you tell us about your role?

I have toggled between roles of design manager on one of the region’s giga projects and project manager for Jacobs across the entire design scope. There are only a handful of design managers overseeing nearly 12,000 deliverables. My role is to coordinate with the client, contractors and our team to review design inputs and ensure alignment across all disciplines. I began with the marine contracts and have since transitioned into the landside buildings and infrastructure.

Can you share your career journey up to this point?

I began my career in government, working at the municipal level in South Africa, primarily project managing infrastructure projects for the city of Durban. In 2022, I joined Jacobs in the Middle East, my first seven months were spent on site in Saudi Arabia, where I focused on building relationships, understanding the people I would be working with and getting a feel for the scope. I started in a team of five which has grown to 70.

What is your education background and what inspired you to pursue engineering?

I studied civil engineering in my hometown of Durban, followed by a master’s degree with a focus on sustainable stormwater engineering. My mother is a professor and my father owns a construction company, so I grew up spending time on construction sites. That’s where my passion for engineering began. I have always had a strong interest in research and hope to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental engineering in the future. 

You’ve been described by one of our senior male leaders as inspiring and recognized for your outstanding performance. What do you think makes you stand out?

Working in a male-dominated environment and as a woman of color can sometimes feel daunting, but I remind myself that I’m here for a reason.  At times, I experience impostor syndrome, but positive feedback from colleagues and clients reassures me I’m on the right track. 

Over the past two years, I’ve worked hard to understand the project, the scope and the people involved. That effort has helped me resolve issues quickly and build strong relationships, resulting in positive feedback from the client.

Has mentorship played a role in your career?

Absolutely. My line manager, Jorge Flores, has been an amazing mentor. He gives me the confidence and autonomy to do my job while always being supportive. He doesn’t micromanage. Instead, he provides trust and space to deliver.

How has Jacobs supported you in balancing your role and family life?

As a single mum, the flexibility and understanding I’ve had from Jacobs has been invaluable.  The demands of the project are high, but I’ve had the support I need to manage both my career and my responsibilities at home. That level of trust and flexibility has made a huge difference, allowing me to succeed in my role while still being there for my son. 

What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career in the Middle East?

Be open-minded. If you want more from your career, you need to be ready to work with different people, cultures and approaches. Organization and communication are key skills, especially on large projects. And if you’re a woman in engineering, know that you can do it all. It’s challenging, but possible. I also believe it’s important to see yourself as a role model for those coming after you. There aren’t many role models who look like me, so I see it as both a privilege and a responsibility to set a positive example for others. 

What do you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy traveling. I’ve traveled since I was young and Dubai is a great hub for exploring the world. It’s also an easy meeting point for my family to visit. I once tried skydiving in Dubai which was an incredible experience.