From delivery mindset to industry leadership

Meet Walid Ahmadzai, Symal’s new Construction Manager – Roads and 2026 Roads Australia Fellow 

At Symal, strong leadership starts with trust, ownership and a delivery-first mindset — values that help teams bring their best every day. They’re also values that have shaped Walid’s journey from Project Manager to Construction Manager – Roads, and now into the 2026 Roads Australia Fellowship Program. 

Walid joined Symal in January 2020 as a Project Manager, drawn to a leadership model that was visible, accessible and genuinely invested in the people doing the work. Starting just before COVID-19 hit meant there was no gentle introduction — but those early challenges helped him develop a practical leadership style rooted in collaboration, accountability and ownership. 

His first project at Symal, the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre Upgrade, set the tone for what was to come: disciplined delivery and strong team outcomes. Over the years, he has taken on leadership roles across some of the business’s most complex road projects, including the Bell–Moreland Level Crossing Removal, Narre Warren North Road Upgrade, Pakenham WP3 and most recently Ballan Road. 

Through it all, Walid’s leadership has been grounded in a simple belief: people do their best work when they feel supported and trusted. 

“People do their best work when they know someone has their back — especially when things don’t go perfectly,” Walid says. “If people feel supported to take ownership, that’s when they perform at a really high level.” 

Walid’s promotion recognises that delivery mindset and impact. Victorian General Manager Matt Coe says his growth reflects both what he’s delivered and how he’s led. 

“Walid has become a highly respected, delivery-led leader within our business,” Matt says. “He’s been instrumental in developing our capability on major road projects and building trust with clients.” 

The Roads Australia Fellowship — a prestigious national development program pairing emerging leaders with senior industry mentors — now gives Walid the chance to further grow his leadership influence across the transport and infrastructure sector. His selection reinforces Symal’s focus on backing people who will help shape the future of the business and the broader industry. 

In his new role as Construction Manager – Roads, Walid will focus on the safe and successful delivery of current road projects and help position the business to secure and deliver the next generation of work. Equally important to him is seeing others thrive.