An interview with James Gallagher
Innovating for real-world challenges
At Cubis Systems, we believe that the best infrastructure solutions start in the field, not in the factory. That’s why we shape innovation based on what our customers face out on-site.
The Cubis product portfolio has been developed alongside real-world feedback to tackle your identified issues and constraints, and to create the opportunity to do things better.
Helping drive that change here at Cubis is James Gallagher, our Head of Innovation.
Exposing industry pain points
Last month, James celebrated 10 years at Cubis. This journey began in June 2015, when he joined the team as a Project Engineer after an initial post-university start in the US.
On his move to the UK and to Cubis, James got stuck into new product development, testing, and supporting large commercial projects. That early technical grounding laid the foundation for something bigger.
“Moving into customer-facing roles helped me understand not just how our products are built, but how they’re used,” James explains.
“Talking directly with design engineers and contractors exposed a range of pain points that you can’t always see from behind a desk.”
Over the following years, James took on a mix of customer-connected roles that helped maintain our link with problems faced out in the field. First was a move to Specification Engineer, then to Specification Manager leading a team of graduates, and then into business development leadership across the UK & Ireland.
In 2021, James became Head of Business Development. Under his remit was a team of seven Business Development Managers across rail, water, energy, MoD and civil sectors.
From insight to innovation
In October 2024, James took on his current role as Head of Innovation. This came with a new mission: to connect what customers experience on site with how we develop products behind the scenes.
“People often assume that innovation is all about invention. It's actually about listening, translating, and solving,” says James. “We work with customers to understand where their current infrastructure processes create inefficiencies, then engineer our products to address pain points.”
Solving infrastructure’s biggest challenges
James and team have played a role in some of the most complex infrastructure projects in the UK and beyond. He has also helped integrate BIM modelling across Cubis.
This initiative made 3D files of our products accessible to engineers online – a move that led directly to increased product adoption and specification.
Today, James and the innovation team support both NAL and Cubis Systems, bridging technical development and customer support across multiple sectors.
The culture of progress
When asked what’s kept him at Cubis for a decade, James points to the culture.
“It’s the people, the progress, and the flexibility. There’s real freedom to shape your own career here, and I’ve been able to move across departments and countries based on where I wanted to grow. That’s rare.”
Looking ahead: innovation built around your on-site needs
At its core, our innovation here at Cubis Systems is built on practical insight. We listen closely to what engineers, contractors, and clients need in the field. Then, we develop smarter, safer, and more sustainable solutions in response.
Whether you're contending with carbon impact, looking to reduce weight on-site, or dealing with tight possession windows, James and the wider team are here to make the solutions you need.
If you've got a suggestion for a way we can improve an existing product to make your life easier, or to add a complementary product that will solve a pain point, get in touch.
