Business improvement specialists BBI Services are showing their support for their female employees during Women in Construction Week 2022.

Research reveals that only 14% of construction industry professionals are women¹, but the BBI team proudly contains a number of fantastic female staff who have vital roles within the organisation, including in business improvement, finance, office management and marketing.

One member in particular has over 10 years’ experience working in the construction sector on civil, residential and industrial projects – helping to maximise productivity, improve processes, and roll out business-wide improvements.

Jessie Stroud has worked at BBI Services for three and a half years as a Business Improvement Specialist.

“My role within construction is incredibly varied,” comments Jessie.

“If I’m working on a productivity-driving project, I could be researching and running data analytics, developing appropriate productivity metrics and KPIs and identifying opportunities for focused improvement projects. I can also undertake a coaching role with focused project leads by providing problem solving tools, offering different project management approaches, and supporting their recognition of and reporting on the benefits of their improvements.

“It all depends on the day and the needs of the client, but I enjoy being on the ground running on-site last planner reviews, stand-ups with development teams, or remote collaborative planning workshops. My role focuses on ensuring all make-ready needs are fulfilled and there are no blockers to achieve the day’s targets.”

Historically, misconceptions on gender specific roles prevent women from considering a career in construction, but working in the sector can be incredibly rewarding as Jessie explains.

“There’s a real sense of satisfaction having contributed to a tangible end-product that you might not get from other industries – especially when you can walk through a new residential courtyard, university campus, or along a river which benefits from a project you supported.

“There are many entryways into construction at every level and there’s an ethos of rewarding hard workers and promotion within, which is great when you have clear career goals.

“Plus, the practical work-based learning many construction firms offer can be just as rewarding as academic pursuits, and you get paid for it!

“I’d encourage anyone who has an interest in working in the sector to dive right in and find out more. I’ve worked in construction for 10 years, across several continents, and I look forward to continuing to for many more.”