It’s no secret that the construction industry – whether within property services or new build – remains dominated by men. While there is a will to create a more diverse workplace in the sector, the way is not necessarily easy or straightforward, particularly for the women who choose to pursue a site-based management role overseeing teams of tradesmen.
Two of Breyer’s female Site Managers shared their experiences with me around forging a place for themselves on site.
Jo Dixon, Site Manager for our Optivo client in Kent, said:
“When I first started at Breyer as a Site Manager, I got a lot of grief from Roofers on site. If I asked them to do something, I’d get responses like ‘What do you know?’ or ‘You’re just a little girl!’ Once, I asked one of the team to pick up a board, which had nails sticking out of it, that I couldn’t pick up because it was too heavy. Children were running around nearby and it was a complete health and safety hazard. It turns out that this guy was a cage fighter and he went completely off on one, squaring up to me and shouting all sorts in my face.”
While we’re talking, one of Jo’s current team asks for her advice. Jo confidently tells them she’ll join them in a few minutes, after she’s finished her call with me. It’s almost 8 years on from that “cage fighter incident” and evidently things have changed dramatically since those early days.
Rebecca Sullivan, one of our Site Managers based in Enfield, shares her perspective:
“Some guys see that you’re a woman and just think you don’t know what you’re on about. I’ve even experienced clients judge me for being female. But if you know your stuff and hold your own then you’ll be okay.”
And that piece of advice has been echoed by Jo too; who credits education and confidence as reasons for turning her situation around.
“I was very sensitive when I first started at Breyer but now I stand up for myself.” Jo explains. “I’ve also learnt a lot from the contractors I’ve worked with and through online research. Before I even started with Breyer, I downloaded apps on tile specifications just to learn more about roofing jobs. Once you show that you have knowledge and won’t be pushed over, you can gain respect.”
Both Jo and Rebecca joined Breyer as RLOs and progressed pretty quickly into Site Manager roles. Although Jo came from a property services background, Rebecca was a Team Leader in Sainsbury’s when she applied for a job with Breyer. She explains:
“My Dad worked at Breyer at the time and he knew I wanted a change from Sainsbury’s so encouraged me to try for the job of RLO. I was used to working with people and I like managing and organising so I had the right skills for the job, even if I didn’t have experience of working in the right sector.
“Thankfully, I got the job and, over time as an RLO, I learnt more and more about roofing works as I supported my Site Manager and even began to cover their position now and then. It wasn’t long before I was offered the Site Manager role for myself and I was really happy to take it on.”
However, while Rebecca has been really successful at Breyer, she’s faced a less visible challenge during that time. On top of learning a new sector and holding her nerve in the face of clients and tradesmen who doubted her abilities due to her gender, Rebecca also suffers from a hidden disability – Ehler-Danlos Syndrome. She tells us more:
“EDS is a rare genetic disorder. It basically means my collagen is faulty, which for me means my joints are mainly affected. My joints dislocate and partially dislocate spontaneously and sporadically, which I can normally put them back on my own but if it’s really serious I will have to go to hospital. The condition doesn’t stop me doing my job but it does mean I have to pace myself. So, for example, if I need to go up and down scaffolding a lot, I’ll ask my apprentice to do those parts of the job to give my joints a rest. My managers at Breyer are really understanding and make sure I have the support I need in that respect.”
For Jo, being a single mum has posed a different additional challenge:
“Being a Site Manager and a single parent can be a struggle but it’s also really rewarding to know that you are the reason your child is happy and has everything they need. The only real limitation is site location, which has to be no more than an hour and a half away, as I need to make sure I can drop my son off at nursery before getting to work. Thankfully, Breyer is aware of that and happy to place me on sites that fit within that distance.”
When I ask Rebecca and Jo what they like about being a Site Manager, being outdoors and the variety of the job seem key. Rebecca also cites talking to residents, while Jo evidently enjoys the busyness and opportunity to continually learn.
I’m keen to know what advice they would give to other women – or even single parents and those with hidden disabilities – looking to take on a site-based role within the property services industry.
Jo says: “Go for it! Be confident and pick up as much knowledge and skills as you can.”
Rebecca offers similar advice: “Don’t be shy and give it a go! If you like people and being outdoors then this really could be the job for you, especially if you’re organised and happy with banter!”
There may still be some way to go in terms of diversity within the property industry. However, Jo and Rebecca are great examples of how things are evolving and the impact that open discussion and supportive management can have on the changing face of construction.