MDN's Management Team

Pre-Construction Manager: George Mills

At MDN, strong leadership is at the heart of everything we do. We believe a company’s vision and strategy are only as effective as the people driving them forward.

In this ongoing series, we’re sharing the individuals shaping our journey - exploring their careers, leadership philosophies, and vision for MDN.

Today, we’re proud to introduce our Pre-Construction Manager, George Mills - a leader whose technical expertise and focus are key to improving our construction processes and moving MDN forward.

About George Mills

Q: Can you tell us about your career journey - where did it all begin and what brought you to MDN?

When I left school, I knew I wanted to become an electrician. After completing college, I never imagined that this trade would eventually lead me to the role I have today.

I joined MDN almost 10 years ago with solid technical knowledge and a strong understanding of various systems. This foundation helped me manage a wide range of projects, each with its own challenges and requirements.

Over the years, I’ve continued to build on that experience, strengthening both my technical and leadership skills. These have been essential to my career progression.

Q: What motivated your move from Site Supervisor to a Pre-Construction Manager?

I was keen to make a change and learn the business from a different perspective. When the opportunity for this role came up, I knew it was the direction I wanted to take.

The transition wasn’t without its challenges, but the knowledge and experience I developed as a site supervisor definitely helped make it smoother.

Q: What aspects of project design and lighting control commissioning do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy liaising with a wide range of people each day. It brings variety to my work and continually helps me develop my communication skills. It’s also rewarding to see a project progress from drawings to a completed, functioning installation.

One part of my role I particularly enjoy is working on lighting control. Taking a job from the design stage through to commissioning and then seeing everything come online exactly as planned is a great feeling. This aspect of the role also gets me out on site, where I work directly with other designers and clients.

Q: In five words, how would you describe your leadership style?

Proactive, Knowledgeable, Creative, Collaborative and Flexible.

George’s Vision for MDN

Q: How do you see MDN adapting to the pace of innovation across the industry?

By staying ahead of industry trends and being proactive with our training, we can keep pace with rapid innovation. In such a fast-moving sector, falling behind on technology can create gaps that competitors are quick to fill. Remaining at the forefront ensures we continue to meet and exceed client expectations.

Keeping up with our mandated CPDs is also essential. This not only keeps us compliant with evolving regulations but also ensures we’re equipped with the latest technical knowledge and industry updates.

Q: As part of your role, you’ve obtained the LCSI certification. How do you believe this will benefit MDN and its clients?

Completing Lutron’s training and becoming a key partner through their LCSI program has significantly improved our efficiency across tendering, installation, and ongoing client support. Managing all aspects of lighting control in-house is a major advantage as it streamlines integration into our projects and ensures everything works seamlessly.

This approach also saves clients time and money by removing the need for an intermediary, making the process simpler and more cost effective.

Q: Looking ahead, where do you see the company in 5 - 10 years?

In the next 5 to 10 years, I see MDN continuing to grow significantly. We are consistently improving and have a strong core team that is committed to driving growth and ongoing development.

I’d also like to see us expand into new sectors where we haven’t yet made our mark, broadening our expertise and taking on new challenges.

Business Insights

Q: What challenges have you faced so far in your role, and how did you overcome them?

Deadlines are the biggest challenge in my role, especially with the tight margins in our industry. To manage this, I maintain close communication with the design team and attend regular meetings. This keeps me updated on progress and helps ensure I can deliver work on time without compromising quality.

Q: What steps do you take to ensure your project designs fully meet the client’s needs and objectives?

I start by reviewing the project specification and speaking with the client to gain a clear understanding of what they want to achieve from the installation. With this insight, I can make informed recommendations and adjust the design as needed to ensure the final outcome meets the client’s vision, while remaining practical, compliant, and within budget.