Project manager
Name: Sarah Lloyd-Jones
Career stage: Mid-level - 5-10 years' experience
Working: On site
High School Subjects: Art, Drama, Music, English, Maths 2 unit, Business studies
Favourite: Music. I loved the freedom to be creative
Further study: Private college
where and what: Studio music management initially through JMC, after then I have completed project management, building and construction and leadership
"I find Construction this a beautiful romance. You get to see this design that someone has put effort into making sure the building works, then our construction team take that and build it."
the inside scoop…
What does a Project Manager actually do? I am in charge of multiple construction projects where I manage the day to day of the site, trades, financial aspect of the project including budgets and cash flows, program of works and client relationships.
What does a day in your life at work look like? We start with a toolbox talk with the site team, followed by a daily catch up on program and any issues which arise, check point in the budget and any forecasted costs vs margin, planning works for upcoming weeks, client meetings and then reviewing upcoming tenders that require my input for construction methodology.
What's the best part of your job? Being onsite and seeing a design come to life and then standing back and looking at saying I built that!
What made you realise construction could be for you? I actually had a strong career in manufacturing and after having my son I felt I needed a change to challenge me. I happened to have a call from a recruiter asking if I was interested in construction. I always loved building and design and decided to just go for it. That was 6.5 years ago and I haven’t looked back.
Who has inspired you in your career? I had an amazing female mentor who taught me about structures, how to read drawings and also how to deal with different personalities onsite. She was an amazing project manager who knew how to be the alpha in the room and just had the ability to read and control any situation. She had an amazing wealth of knowledge and was happy to teach to anyone who was willing to learn. She taught me the importance of teaching and sharing your knowledge to the people around you. When you help those around you everyone becomes stronger.
What's the best thing about working in construction? I find Construction this a beautiful romance. You get to see this design that someone has put effort into making sure the building works, then our construction team take that and build it. Literally taking an empty ground and then creating a building that can be used as a home, a place for a business etc. I love the hustle and bustle of construction and how no two days can be the same. There is always something interesting happening.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Construction isn’t going to be an easy road. You will face challenges and you will face sexists, but it’s worth it. You will come across women and men who will guide you, lift you up and encourage you to be better. And the more women we get into construction the more things going to change.
Sarah is open to engaging further via: Taking a student for work experience, Speaking at a high school, Mentoring a student.
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Sarah Lloyd-Jones engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.
