Career Spotlight
Robert Kim
CEO for the Americas
> From Leeds to Leadership: Robert Kim’s Journey as Soben’s CEO of the Americas
How does someone go from googling “How to go to uni without debt?” to becoming CEO of the Americas for a global consultancy?
At Soben, we believe that bold moves, lifelong learning, and genuine curiosity shape the best leaders. Robert Kim, our CEO of the Americas, is a prime example of this philosophy in action.
> A Career Fueled by Curiosity and Purpose
“My journey started in the UK,” Robert shares. “I stumbled into quantity surveying while looking for a debt-free way to attend university. Leeds Beckett offered part-time study, and I found a firm willing to sponsor me.”
After seven years in Leeds, Robert moved to London to work on larger projects, growing his network and experience with high-profile clients. This set the stage for his next big leap: moving to the United States.
From the West Coast to New York City now home Robert has worked across multiple sectors globally. In 2019, he expanded his perspective further by joining the TRIUM Global EMBA, becoming one of the program’s youngest-ever graduates.
> Crossing the Pond: A Transformative Experience
What’s it like to move your life across the world? “It’s tough at first,” Robert admits. “You don’t know anyone, you miss home, and everything feels unfamiliar. But like learning anything new, it gets easier with time and then it clicks.”
Robert reflects on the value of global experiences: “Living abroad forces you out of your comfort zone. You grow, meet people you’d never meet otherwise, and begin to see the world from new angles. That’s shaped who I am as a leader today.”
> Observations from Both Sides of the Atlantic
What’s different about the construction industry in the US compared to the UK?
“Quite a bit,” Robert laughs. “The biggest difference? Schedule is everything here. Clients want quick estimates pre-contract and swift action post-contract. The cost is often discussed in the context of schedule savings, not as a standalone factor.”
His advice to the team? “Always look at ROI. Small changes like improving early warnings for change orders can have a massive impact on negotiation timelines and project success.”
> Sectors That Excite Us
When asked which sectors interest him most, Robert doesn’t hesitate.
“Right now, it’s Data Centres, Life Sciences, and High-Tech Manufacturing. The scale and investment in these sectors are enormous. That gives us real room to add value and solve complex problems.”
> A Favourite Project and Why It Still Stands Out
“One project that stands out is the Bradford Student Accommodation Village. It was one of the highest BREEAM-rated buildings at the time. There were almost no change orders on a 1,000-bed development. That’s rare and it showed what’s possible with the right team and the right approach.”
> The Value of UK Talent in the US
Robert is passionate about bringing UK expertise into the US market.
“When I first arrived, no one knew what a quantity surveyor was. Now, I regularly see CVs where people try to claim they are one. The tide has turned.”
He adds, “There’s a growing appreciation here for UK-trained QS and project professionals. One client even told me they preferred working with UK and Irish PMs because of their attention to detail.”
> Why Soben?
When asked why he joined Soben, Robert smiles.
“I’m ambitious. I wanted to build something not just fit into a structure. During my interview, I was asked, ‘What would you build if this were yours?’ I shared ideas I thought were disruptive… and discovered Soben was already doing half of them.”
> What Sets Soben Apart
At Soben, we attract great people because we offer what professionals actually want: flexibility, trust, and a strong sense of purpose. We don’t overwhelm people with tasks that don’t add value. We give them the space and tools to deliver excellent work.
> Culture That Stays With You
Robert shares a recent moment that highlights what makes Soben different:
A junior team member gave notice to join a client our first resignation in North America. They were visibly emotional. They said Soben had been the best place they’d ever worked and thanked us for the opportunity. That meant everything.
If your people say it’s the best job they’ve ever had you’re doing something right.
Final Thoughts: Advice for the Next Generation
“Follow what excites you. Be patient it’s not a sprint. And don’t hold back. You’re more capable than you think.”
Want to work with Robert and the Americas team?
📩 Contact Robert Kim
🌐 Explore open roles: www.www.sobencc.com/careers
📩 Or reach out to Ana Liesch, our HR Director for the Americas.