News & Press — Stronger Together: How Allyship on Site Is Helping Women Thrive in Construction

In conversation with our Senior Site Manager Marty and Design Manager Hannah about mentorship, trust and the power of backing your people.

As we approach International Women’s Day 2026 and celebrate Women in Construction Week, we’re shining a light on the incredible women across our team who help keep our projects and our business moving forward each and every day.

But meaningful progress in our industry doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people look out for one another, create opportunities and champion talent when they see it.

That’s where allyship comes in.

For Senior Site Manager Marty and Design Manager Hannah, allyship hasn’t been a buzzword, it’s been something built over years of working together on site. Marty has watched Hannah grow from a Graduate to a confident Design Manager, while Hannah has experienced first-hand what it means to have a leader who genuinely backs you.

Their story is a powerful reminder that when people support each other, great careers and great teams are built.

For Senior Site Manager Marty and Design Manager Hannah, allyship hasn’t been a buzzword, it’s been something built over years of working together on site. Marty has watched Hannah grow from a Graduate to a confident Design Manager, while Hannah has experienced first-hand what it means to have a leader who genuinely backs you.

Their story is a powerful reminder that when people support each other, great careers and great teams are built.

See our Q&As with Marty and Hannah below.

From the perspective of Marty – Senior Project Manager

From your perspective, why is it important that leaders like yourself actively champion women like Hannah in project environments?

In construction, progression is influenced by exposure, responsibility and advocacy. Leaders directly control those levers.

Having worked with Hannah from Graduate through to Design Manager, I’ve seen how critical it is to intentionally provide stretch opportunities and visible accountability. If leaders don’t actively create those pathways, capability can go under-recognised.

Championing high performers like Hannah isn’t about preference — it’s about ensuring talent is supported, accelerated and positioned to deliver at the highest level.

What have you learned from working alongside Hannah and how has it changed how you lead?

Supporting Hannah’s progression across three roles reinforced that leadership development requires both challenge and backing.

At each stage — Graduate, Design Coordinator and now Design Manager — I’ve increased her scope of responsibility while ensuring she had strategic support behind the scenes. That balance builds capability and confidence simultaneously.

It has strengthened my focus on sponsorship, not just mentorship — advocating in senior forums, ensuring visibility of performance, and backing emerging leaders publicly.

When you look at Hannah’s progression, what makes you most proud? What stands out most is the evolution from emerging talent to confident project leader.

I’ve had the privilege of assisting her journey from the early “nest” stage — building technical foundations — through to now soaring confidently across complex design and stakeholder environments.

She’s earned each step on merit, and the transition from being guided to leading independently is a significant achievement.

How do you ensure Hannah feels empowered to challenge you or offer a different perspective?

Empowerment comes through consistent behaviour.

I actively invite her perspective on key design and risk decisions and treat her input as peer-level contribution. When she challenges a position, I engage constructively and acknowledge when she is right.

That consistency removes hierarchy as a barrier and reinforces accountability both ways.

When you think about the culture you’re creating together on site, what are you most proud of?

I’m most proud that progression is visible, structured and performance-driven.

The team has witnessed Hannah’s growth from Graduate to Design Manager within live project environments. That sends a clear signal — leadership is earned through capability, resilience and contribution.

Creating an environment where people can build in the nest and ultimately soar is something I take pride in.

From the perspective of Hannah – Design Manager

What has your experience been like working on site in what is traditionally a male-dominated environment?

Working in a site-based role, I’ve had a really positive experience because of the relationships I’ve built with my team. I rarely notice it being a male-dominated environment because I’m treated as part of the team.

Construction moves at such a fast pace that you’re always focused on the work ahead rather than who we are — especially when everyone is working toward the same goal: getting the project done.

How important is it for women on site to see male leaders visibly championing them?

It’s really important for women like me to see male leaders visibly championing them because it builds confidence.

It also sets the tone for how others treat you on site. When people see you’re respected and trusted by leaders, it creates an environment where your voice is valued too.

There’s a big difference between someone saying they support you and actually demonstrating it. Can you share a time when Marty or another male colleague demonstrated this support?

I’m backed by a team that constantly encourages me, which is a great reminder that you’re capable of tackling the challenges that pop up every day.

One example that always stands out is the way Marty introduces me to new people. It reinforces the trust he has in me and helps create a strong first impression. Because of that, I’m treated the same way by the people I work with.

Over the years, by trusting me with increasing responsibility, he’s helped build my decision-making skills and confidence — which has played a big role in helping me take the next steps in my career.

When you think about the future of women in construction, what gives you hope?

I think I’ve entered the industry at a really exciting time. There are so many different pathways available to build a career in construction.

It’s also been great to see more women in trade roles when I’m on site. That’s definitely something I’ve noticed increasing over the last few years, and I’m excited to see even more women join the industry in the future.

What advice would you give to other women entering the industry about finding allies?

Finding allies in construction isn’t limited to the people in your immediate project team.

Throughout my career so far, I’ve met amazing clients, consultants, subcontractors and superintendents who have been incredibly supportive and inspiring. Allyship can come from anywhere — and anyone can be an ally.

Building a More Supportive Industry

As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women in Construction Week, we’re proud to recognise the women in our team and the allies who help them thrive every day.

Because when we lift each other up, the whole industry moves forward.