Like many others within the Group, the people below made the decision to change course one day and to take on a fresh challenge. Discover four career paths that demonstrate the advantages of non-linear careers.
#1 : Mohamed Dahalani
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2014 — FRANCE
First stop at Bouygues Construction: discovering site operations as a building works supervisor intern.
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2016 — RÉUNION ISLAND
A change of scenery and first major projects as a works engineer with GTOI.
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2019 — MAURITIUS
New culture, new challenges: increasing responsibilities at Transinvest as a senior works engineer.
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2023 — FRANCE
Back to basics: hands‑on field immersion lasting a few months to learn road construction trades with Colas France, before heading off again!
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SINCE 2023 — CANADA
Heading north: Project Manager at Terus, surrounded by wide open spaces, bears and northern lights.
“I have always expressed my wish to change assignments regularly, and that wish was heard. Trained and experienced in building construction, I completed an accelerated training program in road construction, which helped me better understand the trade and integrate into the teams. Changing countries means starting from scratch: adapting, rebuilding trust and learning. That’s what helps me grow. I enjoy learning wherever I go and leaving each assignment a little better than before.”
#2 : Nouhaila Chafi
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2022 — EGYPT
Discovering the rail sector with Colas Rail Egypt: project control, followed by commercial engineering and project coordination.
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SINCE 2024 — FRANCE
A new change of scenery through mobility in France, working on a major Grand Paris Express project: Planning and Coordination / Contract Manager on Line 17, at the heart of safety, and technical and contractual performance challenges.
“Originally from Morocco, I began my career with Colas Rail in Egypt, a country I had never known before. It turned out to be one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Not only did I manage to integrate very quickly, but I was also able to grow and take on new responsibilities. What motivated me to change countries was the opportunity to push myself and step outside my comfort zone. There were, of course, challenges — distance from family, cultural differences, and a new environment to adapt to. But each step made me more independent and resilient. Challenges should always be seen as opportunities in disguise. Mobility has had a very positive impact on my life.”
#3 : Bruno Roffidal
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2021 — FRANCE
Two years at the heart of the HR teams as Recruitment Manager, introducing candidates to Colas Group’s businesses and career opportunities.
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2023 — FRANCE
A major life change and hands‑on field immersion: a regional tour to learn site management, progressing from construction worker to assistant site supervisor and then site manager.
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SINCE 2025 — FRANCE
Goal achieved: officially a site manager with Colas France, based at the Gardanne agency.
“I have always been drawn to fieldwork and construction sites. Presenting the trades, explaining career paths and organizing site visits with schools were what I enjoyed most in my HR role. So much so that my manager noticed and sent me to spend a week on a construction site — it was a real eye‑opener. Moving into operations, with the time to train through my regional tour, was a real life change, but a safe and reassuring one. Hearing my managers say, ‘we believe you’re capable,’ was essential for me. Today, it is the best professional decision I’ve ever made. I’m grateful to have been supported and guided to dare to make that change.”
#4 : Slavisa Komarica
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2019 – SERBIA
Joined Colas Rail as Director of Operations, before being appointed Country Manager, leveraging strong local expertise to support business development.
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2022 – ITALY
Time for an international move. An expatriation to take the lead on three major high-speed rail projects—Milan–Genoa, Brescia–Verona, and Verona–Vicenza—from planning through execution, coordinating teams and key partners.
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SINCE 2024 – PANAMA
A new challenge overseas: heading Colas Rail Panama and supporting the development of Panama Metro Line 3, a landmark project for the country’s mobility infrastructure.
“It all depends on personality: some people enjoy moving, others less so. But it’s always stimulating — there’s always a sense of adrenaline. I believe that for young professionals at the start of their careers, international mobility is probably one of the best choices they can make.
Changing countries brings diversity into your life. The first move is the hardest — after that, it almost becomes a routine.Professionally, each country has its own way of working and its own specificities. Even in a globalized engineering world, local realities remain essential.
Living and working abroad gives you a much deeper understanding of a country than spending a few weeks there as a visitor. You experience projects, ways of working, and teams differently from one country to another — and that’s something you simply can’t learn anywhere else.Mobility within the Group truly works; you can see it becoming increasingly dynamic. When you live and work abroad, you may end up calling several places ‘home’. In the end, you choose where to settle — and it’s not always your hometown or your country of origin.”
