Behind every project, there are talented people.
We are delighted to launch our new series “Employee Portraits”, dedicated to those who make NUVIA what it is. Each month, we invite you to discover their journey, their challenges, and what inspires them.
To kick off this series, we present Anaïs PROLONGEAU, Project Manager at NUVIA France. After 12 years in offshore Oil & Gas, Anaïs decided to take on a new challenge: nuclear. She shares her story, the challenges she faces, and what drives her every day.
Introduction & Career Path
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
I am a project engineer, specialized in coordinating and managing large-scale projects. What motivates me every day is the creativity needed to find practical solutions and the teamwork in an environment that is both friendly and efficient.
Alongside my work, I am involved in several associations that encourage women to pursue careers in science and technology—an issue that is particularly close to my heart.
What is your role at NUVIA and how long have you been working there?
I am currently a Project Manager within the Project Management Department at NUVIA Structure (NUVIA France). This entity is dedicated to managing major maintenance projects on nuclear facilities, whether it’s short-term interventions involving large teams during a reactor outage or long-term projects spread across multiple sites over several years.
The project I am working on today is particularly ambitious: it covers six nuclear power plants in France and includes 24 interventions over the next five years.
I joined NUVIA Structure more than five years ago as a project engineer, alternating between execution missions and preparing bids.
What was your career path before joining NUVIA?
With a degree in chemical engineering, I specialized in the development and exploration of oil fields. This expertise allowed me to start my career internationally, working on offshore construction projects for the oil & gas industry, including the installation of pipelines and subsea cables, for 12 years.
Role & Responsibilities
What are your main responsibilities daily?
My main mission is to coordinate all teams—internally, as well as with our partners and the client. I ensure compliance with schedules and budgets while guaranteeing adherence to contractual requirements and client expectations.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love organizing, anticipating, and making sure everything runs under optimal conditions. I also appreciate teamwork and the young, modern mindset that exists at NUVIA.
What challenges do you face in your role?
My role involves balancing the constraints of all stakeholders: technical requirements from different disciplines, client expectations, subcontractor limitations, and our own constraints. On top of that, there are budget, schedule, and safety challenges. It’s about constantly finding the right compromise to move forward effectively.
What motivated you to choose a career in the nuclear sector?
I chose the nuclear sector because it has strong requirements for quality and safety, very similar to those in the oil and gas industry. This similarity allowed me to leverage my experience and ensure a smooth transition between these two environments.
Life at NUVIA
Do you have a memorable moment or anecdote from your time at NUVIA?
I have a vivid memory of my first project as a Project Manager at NUVIA. It was a real challenge: high expectations, different cultures to harmonize, a demanding client, and a constantly evolving team. These challenges pushed me beyond my limits. Thanks to commitment, perseverance, and teamwork, we achieved our goals. This experience taught me a lot and gave me the desire to take on new challenges while implementing essential tools and processes to ensure the success of future projects.
Personal Dimension & Inspiration
If you had to describe NUVIA in three words, which would you choose?
Dynamism, excellence, transparency
A final message for those considering joining NUVIA?
Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way!
A quote or mantra that inspires you?
Other people’s opinions are their life, not yours.
