Women Shaping the Future of Construction at Okarno
Construction is an industry built on expertise, collaboration and innovation and increasingly, on diverse perspectives. At Okarno, women now represent 37% of our workforce, contributing across operations, leadership, customer experience and product innovation. Behind that figure are individuals whose careers show there is no single route into construction, only opportunities to grow, learn and lead.
For Vicky Jarvis, Customer Aftercare Specialist, construction wasn’t part of a long-term plan. Joining Saint-Gobain through an IT management role, she quickly recognised the potential to build a career within the organisation and found her passion in aftercare.
Supporting customers once products have been delivered, Vicky reviews claims, manages replacement orders and identifies recurring issues to improve future processes. While others may view aftercare as problem-solving, she sees it differently. By feeding insight back into the business, she helps create a smoother experience for customers and colleagues alike.
Most people see my job as dealing with problems, but I see it as turning a negative into a positive.
Growing up around construction through her father’s work as a builder helped build her confidence early on, yet she acknowledges challenges remain. “Don’t see yourself as different, be proud to be a woman in construction,” she says, encouraging others to feel empowered within the industry.
That sense of confidence and progression is echoed by Kat Bell, Value Chain Director, whose 25-year career within Saint-Gobain reflects how much the industry has evolved. Starting her career at a time when women in operational leadership were rare, Kat has witnessed significant change.
Today, she oversees Okarno’s end-to-end value chain. Coordinating sourcing, planning and transport to ensure products reach customers safely and efficiently. She describes the role as “a lot of plate spinning,” bringing together multiple teams to deliver for customers. Reflecting on her journey, she credits bold career decisions, including relocating early in her career for a secondment that transformed a job into a long-term profession.
Believe in yourself, be bold, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Historically, there has been moments where assumptions were made about leadership, especially in a male-dominated industry. However, this only strengthened Kats determination to lead authentically and support others following similar paths.
While some careers begin within construction, Shelley, Product Manager at Okarno, demonstrates how transferable skills can open unexpected doors. Moving from the textiles industry into construction, she sought new opportunities to apply her experience in a growing and evolving sector.
Her role focuses on researching market trends and developing products that meet future customer needs. Entering a new industry meant quickly building technical understanding, something she achieved through collaboration with experienced colleagues.
Construction isn’t just hard hats and building sites. There’s more than one way into the industry,
For Shelley, innovation is central to the future of construction. From reducing labour intensity to improving sustainability through recyclable packaging, product development plays a vital role in making construction more inclusive and efficient. Her advice to women considering the sector is simple: “Don’t be afraid to join without a technical background. Much of it can be learned on the job.”
Leadership within operations brings another essential perspective through Julie, Operations Director at Okarno. Responsible for ensuring the site runs safely and efficiently, Julie’s focus is firmly centred on people. Supporting teams, maintaining standards and solving daily operational challenges mean no two days are ever the same. “What I enjoy most is the people side of the role. Seeing colleagues grow and creating an environment where everyone feels valued,” she says.
Julie’s leadership journey developed through curiosity and opportunity rather than careful planning. Taking on new challenges helped her discover a passion for improving operations and supporting teams to succeed. She has seen encouraging progress for women during her career, noting that "more young women are choosing careers in operations and feeling confident stepping into technical and leadership roles," while recognising there is still work to do.
Her advice reflects that forward momentum:
Stay curious, be bold and go for it. Operations and construction need diverse perspectives. Your voice genuinely matters.
Together, the experiences of Vicky, Kat, Shelley and Julie demonstrate how construction careers are built in many ways. Their stories highlight an industry evolving through inclusion, collaboration and opportunity. Where success is defined not by a single path, but by the people shaping its future every day.