Community
Whether it’s passion for projects, clients, image, community or industry, not one matters any more than the other at Badge, where it’s important that the company gives back to the community it operates in.
Fundraising and participation activities are regular for all offices to show support for associations that staff are passionate about. More than ever on the Badge calendar however, is corporate volunteering and sponsorship – now at the highest it has ever been.
But it’s not just about the not for profit sectors of the community, Badge continues to support the industry it also operates in. Many members of staff are involved in Committee and Board positions in associations such as the Property Council, Australian Institute of Building and the Master Builder’s Association – making a real contribution to how the construction industry continues to operate now and in to the future.
Further supporting that future, Badge grooms talent and allows first-rate students the opportunity to become a part of an organisation that treasures their contribution by running undergraduate and scholarship programmes in construction.
To find out more about the different community hats that Badge and its people wear with regularity, click on the links to the left of screen.
Applicant Q&A
Q - I've lodged an application, now what?
A - Our selection panel will be reviewing all of the information you provided. They may ring you to clarify certain details, or to complete a short telephone interview. The process usually takes at least a week, so please try to be patient.
Q - Will you let me know the outcome of my application?
A - We know that one of the things that job seekers can find irritating is not getting any response at all to their application. Our policy is to get back to every applicant in one way or another.
Q - Will I have to do a medical or psych test?
A - Depending on the nature of the role you've applied for, we may decide to do some pre-employment checks. We will probably speak to your nominated referees, or simply verify your previous work history. We occasionally seek verification of the formal qualifications that you've listed in your resume. In some instances (usually for more senior roles) we seek additional information to confirm that you will fit in to our culture or that you'll be able to handle the job demands.
Q - If I am invited to attend an interview, what should I expect?
A - We prepare an interview guide for each role and ask each applicant the same 10 - 15 questions for about an hour. Most of the questions will require that you provide us with a real example of how you've done certain things in the past. We like examples that include specific details about the situation where you can describe exactly what you did or how you responded and how things turned out in the end. We don't like examples that are too general or without details. Keep this in mind and come prepared to tell us about what you've done.
Q - How should I dress? Do I need to wear a suit?
A - Badge is not a formal organisation, but we are neat and professional. We all wear neat work clothes that are appropriate for our positions. If the role is senior or managerial, then a business suit or jacket are appropriate. The men may wish to wear a tie as well. For less senior roles smart business attire appropriate for your role would be expected. For site based staff, we would expect a neat and presentable appearance at minimum.
Fundraising & Donations
As an organisation with a culture of goodwill, teams at Badge across the country choose to give generously to those associations and organisations who contribute to the community. Often these organisations provide a benefit to Badge where staff can participate and engage. In the past, teams have taken part in bike rides for the Asthma Foundation in WA, raised over $11,000 for the High Tea for Hutt Street Centre event in SA, and QLD'ers raised money for a brave colleague shaving his head for the Leukaemia Foundation. Sometimes it's money, sometimes it's pet food and blankets and sometimes it's just lending a hand - But as a Badger, you are always willing to help in whatever way you can.
On top of this assistance, there is a variety of not-for-profit associations who have benefit from contributions made by Badge from between $100 to $10,000. Annually this amount is over $50,000 back to our community.
Education Programmes
University Scholarship & Bursary
To encourage graduates and those studying in construction achieve their goals and have the opportunity to apply their skills to a reputable organisation, Badge has developed a Scholarship & Bursary Program with Curtin University, University of QLD and the University of SA. The program is intended to attract and support the best students by helping them to complete their studies and eventually make a significant contribution to our industry. One full-time, second year student enrolled in the Bachelor of Construction Management & Economics or Bachelor of Urban Development (Construction Management) at each university is eligible. Students must make a written application directly to the relevant university and the final scholarship or bursary is awarded on the basis of academic merit, professionalism, teamwork and cooperation with peers and university staff. All Scholarship & Bursary Program recipients are welcome to undertake work experience placement with Badge to help gain the experience necessary to complete the degree. On graduation, Badge may offer the student a Graduate position with professional development, mentoring and vocational guidance.
DBTI Trade Scholarship
But it’s not just locally that Badge supports the construction industry and those who want to be a part of it. Gaining a secondary education in the Solomon Islands is a challenge for many youth and there are not enough places in senior schools for all students - so those who do not pass an exam are forced out of the education system. Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI), a Catholic school situated just out of Honiara, has been giving these 'push outs' a chance to learn a trade since it was established by the Salesians of Don Bosco in 2000. DBTI offers certificates in Automotive, Electrical and Carpentry Technology, Maintenance Fitting and Life Skills for approximately 200 students. Students study in workshops at the campus for two years followed by a year of on-the-job training. In 2011, Badge will cover the cost of tuition for two second year Carpentry students. The recipients will be chosen based on their commitment to studies and exemplary behaviour during their first year at DBTI.
Doorways 2 Construction
Badge have been involved for several years in this initiative, SA’s premier Vocational Education and Training (VET) program for the building and construction industry. It was initiated as a direct response to the increased need to encourage young people to consider the building and construction industry as a career option, improve the entry level training opportunities, promote career pathways and a positive image of the building and construction industry. D2C supports the recruitment and induction of young people into building and construction. The program is a broad and general introduction to the industry for students. It provides them with a solid foundation of skill, knowledge and experience, which articulate into a range of vocational training courses and is the introduction for many career pathways. Badge have been supporting students from previous client St Michael's College on their site in 2010 and during 2011, on the high profile Fort Largs Police Academy site.
Hutt Street Centre
The South Australian divisions of Badge have a long term relationship with the Hutt Street Centre – a frontline agency for Adelaide’s homeless and vulnerable people. This relationship has allowed staff to get involved in fundraising and volunteering and some special subcontractors have also donated time and resources to ensure that the Centre itself is up to date and functional.
For the first time in 2009, Badge became a sponsor of the Walk A Mile in My Boots event. Since its inception, the event has grown in size and consequently, the funds raised for the Centre’s educational programmes have also grown. In fact in 2011, the event raised over $60,000 with nearly 2000 'walkers'...each of them seeking a delicious Badge egg and bacon roll at the finish line! Badge is so proud to be a part of this event that is becoming a ‘must do’ on the City of Adelaide calendar. To register to 'Walk A Mile', visit the Hutt Street Centre website (below).
Health & Safety
Already with AS/NZS 4801 (Safety) under our belt, during 2009, Badge first achieved Federal Safety Commission accreditation – a significant achievement that now allows Badge to tender for works in federally funded projects.
Safety is constantly at the forefront during a project with Badge and ensuring our staff are trained to the highest level is just the first part of it. It’s just as important that the subcontractors engaged to complete the work on Badge’s behalf are also thoroughly qualified and safety aware. To support this, ‘The best thing about working for Badge is going home…’ campaign was launched. The campaign is aimed at staff and all significant Badge subcontractors across the country with the flyer informing them of the ability to be safety inducted to a Badge site via an online induction. This induction has proved invaluable in providing an efficient method for subcontractors to work on site, and for Badge Site Manager’s to manage safety requirements.
The aim is to constantly reduce Lost Time Injury Frequency statistics and ultimately, ensure everyone can go home safely at the end of every working day with Badge.
Being a Badger
Ever started a new job and feel like you’ve walked in to an alternate universe? We think it’s useful for potential Badgers to know how our culture feels and the values we all live and work by – it might even help you to make a decision about how well you might fit in.
Badge recognises and respects the skill, experience and judgment of its people - that’s why we hired them in the first place! We give trust and allow autonomy for individuals to really show what they’re made of. We expect our people to work hard for success and we invest heavily in their professional development and support them as they learn and grow.
But we also know that there is more to life than work. Our employees tell us that Badge has realistic expectations about work and family balance. In many organisations, statements like these are made up by various executives and published in a mission statement. At Badge, we asked our people to tell us what it's like to work here and what they think are the values that we operate by. The answers included words like trust; autonomy and support; balance; opportunity; professionalism; and integrity.
You might be asking yourself - why would I want to work for Badge? Well, if reading everything else on this website hasn’t tempted you, then surely the below will...and when it does, you know how to find us!
Benefits of being a Badger
- Annual physicals and Skin Cancer checks
- Childcare Subsidy
- Employee awards
- Flexible working hours
- Regular social events
- Group health insurance discounts
- Income Protection Insurance
- Paid maternity leave
- Preferred supplier discounts
- Salary packaging
- Staff and partner functions
Corporate Volunteering
Badge provides its staff with paid volunteering hours that can be used at any registered not for profit organisation – encouraging everyone to do their bit in their community. However, some staff have come together as smaller groups within the organisation, to volunteer together to get a job done.
QLD Badger’s enjoyed helping out in the Foodbank QLD warehouse.
http://www.foodbank.com.au/
As an important client, during construction of the new head office for Guide Dogs SA/NT in Adelaide, Badge volunteers helped raise funds on Top Dog Day.
http://www.guidedogs.org.au/
A long term sponsor of the Variety Club’s 4WD Challenge, Badge volunteered to further this relationship by assisting groups at the Special Children’s Christmas Party.
http://variety.org.au/
Environment
In early 2010, Badge was externally audited and received accreditation in ISO14001, Environmental Certification. This accreditation formalises the steps Badge are taking to become and environmentally conscious organisation. In fact, on sites where the client has the opportunity to do so, Badge have been able to recycle over 90% of waste.
Now involved in KESAB Clean Site Inventive programmes and with an increasing number of Green Star Accredited Professionals on staff, Badge are expanding their expertise to successfully manage environmental considerations for the company and for clients.
Design & Construct
The key to getting what you want is for you to establish exactly what it is that you want as early as possible. Sharing as many of your objectives as you feel comfortable is very important. Here at Badge, by using the design and construct process, we would be the one person you would deal with for your project. By offering this single-point accountability to our design and construct clients, the process becomes stress-free as the responsibility rests with one party - us!
Feasability
After initial discussions are held, we will appoint a project team leader as your point of contact within Badge. While you may have discussions with a number of our people, the project team leader will be responsible for getting your building, right.
Several meetings are held to help us establish an initial concept of what you want. This is then costed to allow you to decide if the project is feasible. If what you want cannot be built for the money available, you will know at this point and the project can be adjusted or abandoned before money is spent on design and documentation.
Client Project Requirements
From here, your project team leader will assign people who will help you develop a clear and detailed understanding of how you want the building to look and work - this is called the Client Project Requirement. It is our view that this process is essential to you being comfortable with knowing what you are getting, and should be completed with your detailed involvement. Depending upon the complexity of your building, this may involve people from architectural and engineering disciplines. At the same time, we will have people consulting with Local Government, utilities, fire authorities and others who may have jurisdiction over your project.
Design
The gathering together of the information in the Client Project Requirement is managed in the design meetings chaired by the project team leader, in which you will have input as the design evolves. The input of our build team during this period allows the project team to design a building that is not only easy to build, but reduces costs and time. Cost checks are carried out by our Cost Manager as the gathering of information is done and the design comes together.
Approvals
Once the design is decided, various organisations will need to be approached in order to approve and develop the building design. In a design and construct contract, Badge would engage with all authorities required to gain approvals. With our experience in the design and construction of a variety of facilities, we are well versed in the requirements of these organisations (such as Government, EPA, AQIS, transport, safety, utilities, health, fire) in order to gain approvals - thus reducing processing time and time spent going back and forth with changes.
Construction
The development of the Client Project Requirement will continue until there is enough information in drawing and specifications to minimise the risk of cost being overlooked - then construction commences. This can be at the completion of the design documentation, or alternatively, the design and construction can be overlapped. Your decision on this may be determined by the simplicity of the building or by your need to reduce the time to build your project. Whatever your decision on the timing of construction, a final cost check will be done prior to construction.
Completion
In the end, you will have a building that has had you, the designers and the builders all involved in the process from beginning to end - each responsible for the building of your project and who are all accountable to the project team leader.
Contract Types
The decision you make about how you want to employ a builder is all about your project demands and preferences. At Badge, we have people with an understanding of the wide variety of delivery methods and can advise you on the best one for your project. Most projects can be completed under any of the options described below.
Working Collaboratively
For many years, clients have been employing architects to design their buildings and for builders to price the final design as a single lump sum for all the work. This works well and in many circumstances is the best method, with Badge performing 60% of their work in this way. In some circumstances, more collaborative contracting forms can deliver greater benefits in time, cost and quality. The following is a small sample of the collaborative contract forms we can offer:
Managing Contractor
This option can be used with or without Badge being responsible for the design. The builder leads the team on behalf of the client. The characteristics of this method for you include tight controls over quality, cost and time as well as flexibility on outcomes and decisions throughout the process. There is often a shorter project period and the builder will contract with each of the subcontractors directly.
Competitive Lump Sum Tender
If your project is well documented with low total project risk and you do not want to be fully involved with the project, this option is worthy of consideration. If your project fits all of the required criteria for this method, we have the capacity to price and deliver it under this system. You will find that this method is ideal for simple projects on a clear site and where the design documentation is very clear. You are detached from the building process once it begins and there is no collaboration between the designers and builders. Sometimes this process may mean a longer total project time.
Open Book Lump Sum Tender
This approach may be appropriate for you if your project has a short time frame for completion and you want to ensure that the budget is met. If you have the time and the desire to be completely involved with the construction on your project, you should consider this option which can fall under two sub-headings to be either a Negotiated Lump Sum Contract or a Construction Management Contract.
The Negotiated Lump Sum Contract is a simple contract type and often creates a shorter construction period with a higher chance of achieving your outcomes. There are generally less variations because the builder is involved with the design but has more control over the process and outcomes because of that early involvement.
The Construction Management Contract is where the builder acts as an agent for the client. This method gives you good control over the final outcomes on the building and the construction process, while remaining flexible due to the inbuilt negotiation processes. The accounting and contract administration processes will be more demanding on you as the client under this method.
Single Point Accountability
Using Badge to design and construct your project ensures that you take the stress out of building by having just one single point of contact in our Project Manager. We have a track record of completing successful projects for all parties through this type of arrangement.
Design & Construct
If you come to Badge with limited design completed, we can give you a price to complete the design and then construct the building. We have a group of Project Managers and Cost Managers who, with the Construction Managers, will guide you through the process of designing the building you want, for the price you want to pay. This method allows you tight control over the final cost of the building and often has a shortened project duration due to the fast-tracked construction.
Not forgetting that there are many variations on the themes presented above.
Getting a builder involved with the project during the design phase, your project can start in construction before the design is finalised, or 'fast-tracked'. The tendering of the subcontract packages (earthworks, concrete etc) can be done before the documentation for the later trades (joinery, electrical etc) has been completed. This will reduce the total project period because you have overlapped the time taken for design and construction.
Not what you're looking for?
Your building and your circumstances may not be best suited to these methods and consideration should be given that there are many flexibilities on the summaries here. If you would like to speak to someone about your project, please contact the State Manager or Manager - Procurement in your state. You can find all of the contact details by clicking here.
Where do I start?
How do I get going on my project?
The construction of buildings is a complex process that requires the coordination and management of a large number of people providing advice and services in the design, technical, financial, logistical and environmental aspects of your project. All building work is subject to Local and State Government regulations, so you (or the person you engage in the beginning) should know the ins and outs of these regulations.
How will I know who is good or bad?
For success, look for someone who will clearly and effectively communicate with you and the other people in the team - some people think that they may get some advantage by witholding information. Also look for people who share your goal of delivering the project as quickly and as cost effectively as possible within the quality standards you require. Some can focus too much on their internal needs to the detriment of the project. Lastly, look for those who recognise and respect the vital role that each team member has in delivering the project.Somebuilders do not understand the design process and howthat process can help the project.
How do I know my risks?
If you load any party with all the risk, they will expect more money from you to assume it. The more risk you remove from them and take on yourself, the more money they will hand back to you.
The management of risk starts with the reduction in the aggregate risk associated with the project. The key to reducing aggregate risk is to make sure that good decisions are put into the very early parts of the project such as choosing the right team members; getting good cost advice early; testing your site and knowing its history; being clear on how your building will have to perform and; developing a comprehensive Project Brief. Having reduced the aggregate risk, it should then be shared amongst the members of your project team. As that party is then liable for the costs of that risk element, they will work hard to reduce the occurrence of risk - as they are the best person to manage that risk, they will ultimately be the most successful at it.
Some key points that will help you decide your level of risk:
- Quality of documents : Ensuring that the responsible person for documenting your project is capable and concise.
- Completion on time : Potential delays due to poor management, unexpected circumstances, changes in design etc, can all increase the period of time it takes for your building to be completed - hence why understanding your project will help reduce instances of this occurring.
- Latent conditions : These are conditions that are associated with a building site that cannot be identified by reasonable inspection.
- Subcontractor pricing : Competent builders will aim for the right subcontractor with prices that are as low as they can go without compromising speed and quality. A very low subcontractor price will deliver a very poor performance by the subcontractor.
- Impact of design on costs : It is said that 80% of the cost savings are made in the first 20% of the design period. Therefore it is important to be clear to your designers about what you want the building to be as soon as possible, along with getting good advice.
- Variations : These are inevitable in building, but should be minimised as they are costly to administer and are disruptive to the flow of work on the site. Variations to a price for works often occurs due to document discrepancies, latent conditions, additional works or changed scope to works.
Who should lead my project?
This person should have a track record of delivering projects like yours. There should be no doubt in the minds of all the project team members who this person is. They may come from a number of disciplines associated with the industry and may come from the ranks of project manager, architect, builder, engineer and quantity surveyor.
How do I choose a delivery method?
There are a great number of ways to get to designing and completing your building and you should of course, choose the one that best suits you and your project. Talking to Badge about your project has no obligation and can help you through this often complex process.
How will I know what's going on?
Not knowing what is happening on your project can be frustrating and lead to significant project difficulties. During our involvement with your project, you will know exactly what you want to, to a level of detail you nominate. In conjunction with you, our team will establish a set of protocols to communicate with you, ensuring project clarity and ultimately, a successful outcome for all.
Food Processing
Coming to Badge for your food processing facility means you are choosing an expert in the field.
Food processing buildings are different.
They are enclosures that must be designed to have highly efficient cleaning and drainage systems and must be kept pristine during any sort of building work that is around them. They must be safe for employees where often, production remains continual during construction works. The designers and builders must know the requirements of the authorities who have jurisdiction over the works and all participants in the project must understand that production in the space is King and construction activities must work around this.
Badge really do, 'get it'.
Would you go to a lawyer who specialises in family law about copyright infringement? Of course the answer is no - so why would you go to a designer or a builder who doesn't specialise in food processing buildings if that is what you are after?
Badge have been designing and building a variety of food processing buildings since 1983 and are one of only two builders in Australia who are recognised as specialists in this work. We have clients who have been using Badge for the design and construction of their buildings for over twenty years, with many other clients also returning to us after their first time to extend, add, refurbish or build new facilities at another site.
Our food processing people are experts.
When you engage Badge for works on your plant, you will be assigned a specialist Project Manager who will be the leader in every sense of the role - managing the feasability investigations, costing, construction and design management. They will be your single point of contact for your project. Your Project Manager will marshall the appropriate resources, weld them in to a team and point them down a path to deliver you a building that will provide you with a first class facility improving your efficiencies in production, cleaning and resource consumption.
The more you allow Badge to be involved with your project, the more sure you can be of the outcome.
Publications
Badge has developed a solid reputation for producing award-winning design and construction projects, formally recognised by various industry awards….each and every one, we’re very proud of and we wear them, as Badges of Honour.
Awards
Badge has developed a solid reputation for producing award-winning design and construction projects, formally recognised by various industry awards….each and every one, we’re very proud of and we wear them, as Badges of Honour.
Commitment
Badge has a culture that feels unique, and a part of this creation is due to the effort those within the organisation make to constantly achieve more for themselves, for the business goals or for the community of which they are a part of.
At Badge, there has always been a commitment to be an organisation that is looked up to within the industry, but also one that people are proud to be a part of. Over the last few years, this commitment has been formalised in national accreditations for elements such as quality of work or safety practises – attributable to the hard working people within the organisation.
On top of this, is the room for a true ‘heart’ to grow at Badge – a culture of giving back to the community in which Badge operates; supporting the industry that has allowed Badge and its people to become what is evident today; as well as supporting each other.
Whether it’s keeping an eye out for each other, putting a hand up or into a pocket, or simply acknowledging our part in a sustainable future, there is no doubt that each and every person at Badge supports a notion for commitment to something better than it was the day before.
Contact Us
Please feel free to give us a call at any time to discuss construction and design work, being a Badger or quoting for a tender.
Before you pick up that handset though, let’s be clear – we don’t make badges here. What we do offer is a construction, design and project management service that is second to none and a place to work that really is different.
National Contacts
Group General Manager
Roger Zammit
rzammit@badge.net.au
Human Resources Manager
David Stearne
dstearne@badge.net.au
Careers
Badge is a mid-tier commercial construction company operating in three states across Australia and over more than 25 years, we’ve developed a reputation for excellence. We’re big enough to be taken seriously but small enough to remain flexible to the needs of our industry, our clients and our people.
Our employees are encouraged to take on all that they are capable of and to aim at being the best professionals they can be. Of course, we then provide plenty of support and professional development training to make sure that reaching for the highest highs is entirely achievable.
We constantly aim to make Badge the kind of place that is truly enjoyable to work in. It’s not just human resources babble either – we listen to our people and try to deliver the benefits that our people really appreciate, including a healthy work / life balance.
Being a Badger means that you take pride in the work you do and are part of a team that feels the same. Current vacancies are listed on this page by clicking to the left of screen - here you will find more information and any available job roles.
Services
Badge has a proud history of delivering construction, project and design management services to clients across many sectors. Badge's philosophy to service is simple, our management and personnel exist to make the experience of building, one that you will remember for all of the right reasons.
Regardless of the size or complexity of your project, Badge can tailor services to meet your needs.
About Us
At Badge, we take great pride in the excellence of our work - but our drive for distinction includes the process not just the outcome.
With over 25 years experience and successful projects ranging from $1million to $100million, our capability is there for everyone to see.
But off the work site, we also strive to give our clients peace of mind.
We hand pick our project teams to best suit the client and the work and our project leaders are specialists who know how to listen and communicate.
Our risk management processes remove problems before they appear and safety is always at the forefront of a Badge project.
In 2011, respected Sunshine Coast builder Evans Harch became part of the Badge Group and operates with offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Maroochydore and Perth. Now with an annual turnover of some $500million - we're still a privately owned company with integrity woven into everything we do.