People Spotlight: Mark Dore, General Manager

How long have you worked for BGIS?

I joined DHMC in 1996 and have held a variety of roles throughout the company. Starting as a painter, I progressed into leadership positions, first as a Foreman and Overseer, then transitioned into an administrative role in 2000. In 2003, I became Office Manager, and by 2010, I stepped into the role of General Manager.

I have been leading the Southern Region for the Kāinga Ora contract in Aotearoa New Zealand as General Manager – Te Mahi Ngātahi since before BGIS acquired DHMC in 2023. While my official tenure with BGIS began with the acquisition, I bring nearly three decades of experience and am fully committed to the continued success of the contract under BGIS.

Tell us about your contract/scope of work.

We manage the Te Mahi Ngātahi contract for Kāinga Ora, a social housing maintenance contract in Aotearoa New Zealand. Covering the lower half of the Te Waipounamu- South Island, this performance-based contract focuses on ensuring high-quality outcomes for tenants.

Our team oversees more than 6,000 properties, working with approximately 170 subcontractors. Around 1,400 individuals have been inducted to support our operations.

Tell us any highlights and/or interesting things about your account.

A key highlight of this contract is our ongoing commitment to improving the living conditions for tenants. We ensure the homes we maintain are safe, dry, and sustainable, which supports tenants living with dignity. This approach helps provide long-term, well-maintained housing.

What is unique to working in your sector?

What makes the social housing maintenance sector unique is the direct impact we have on people’s everyday lives. Our work goes beyond maintaining buildings – it’s about ensuring safe, quality homes for individuals and families in need. The sector is dynamic and constantly evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities. We work to address these challenges in ways that support tenants’ security and wellbeing. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts contribute to the overall quality of life for those we serve.

What innovation(s) has your team introduced into your contract?

We are always exploring ways to improve our processes, including leveraging AI-driven solutions to automate tasks, enhance reporting, and streamline communication. While not every idea succeeds, we work in a supportive environment where the client values innovation and listens to our feedback. This enables us to drive efficiencies and reduce manual tasks across the contract.

How do you stay client-focused?

I’m fortunate to work on a single contract, which allows me to stay closely connected to the client’s needs. This contract is consistently seeking smarter and more efficient ways of working, so staying client-focused means adapting to changes and ensuring we align with the client’s evolving objectives.

A key piece of FM career advice…

Stay adaptable and continue learning. The industry is always changing, and being open to new technologies, strategies, and perspectives will help you stay ahead. Building strong relationships with your team and clients is also essential for long-term success.