Building gender balance within the construction sector

The foundation stone of any organisation needs to be sound and one of the key metrics of a solid and progressive firm is a gender balanced workforce.

The construction industry in Ireland accounts for about two per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP)

Yet women have traditionally represented only a small percentage of the construction workforce, accounting for just 9 per cent of those employed, according to a 2022 CSO Labour Force Survey.

Supermarket retailer, Lidl is helping to rectify this imbalance breaking down gender stereotypes with its female-led construction and property teams.

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Aoife Flynn, senior construction manager Ireland

In the world of construction, Aoife Flynn, a senior construction project manager (PM) at Lidl, is breaking barriers and proving that collaboration, not competition, is the key to success.

With a background in architecture, Aoife came across an inspiring article featuring Sorcha Hynes, a construction PM with a similar background in architecture who was leading Lidl’s warehouse construction team and decided to reach out to Sorcha for further insights.

“As a senior woman already in the role, it gave a great insight into how the company operated and how proactive Lidl are in promoting women in senior positions,” she explains.

“I could see the opportunities for project management in the commercial sector and I didn’t think twice about accepting the position to join the regional team.”

She and her team lay the physical foundations for every new Lidl store. She has managed two recent projects, in Clonshaugh and Tyrrelstown.

Aoife passionately believes that women represent an untapped resource in the construction industry.

Linda Egan, construction manager Lidl Ireland

When you hear the name Lidl, you might envision a food retail giant. However, a deeper dive reveals the significant role of property development within the company.

Originally from Athlone and having trained in interior design, Linda Egan spent time in Australia after the economic crash.

In 2013, she joined Lidl first working as a warehouse operative, then as a desk clerk. A property assistant opportunity helped her hone her skills and knowledge in property development.

“Balancing my career with motherhood, I returned from maternity leave and assumed the role of a merchandising manager. In this position, I was responsible for meticulously fitting-out Lidl stores,” she explains.

She now specialises in property acquisitions. Her responsibilities include purchasing sites and navigating complex deals, including the opening of the Bettystown store last month – a deal that took three years to realise.

“While construction has traditionally been male dominated, a determined mindset and skill-set knows no gender boundaries. There has been a shift in perspective and that outmoded way of thinking should be dropped altogether,” she says.

“I feel I am not just a part of the construction industry; I have helping redefine it for the better, showing that women can thrive and lead in this field.”

Aisling Duggan, head of environmental health and safety Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland

“It’s the culture that keeps me here; it’s just such a positive work environment”

Having worked in a range of industries, including manufacturing, engineering, construction and facilities management, all in the field of occupational health and safety, Aisling’s first job after college was working as a safety officer full-time on construction sites. She followed this with a six-year stint in Australia working in the construction and manufacturing industries.

“I joined Lidl in 2018 because I knew they were a really good company to work for. I’d never worked in retail, but I knew it would be interesting and fast paced,” she explains.

“My team of environmental, health and safety managers are responsible for managing occupational health and safety and food safety in stores, warehouses and offices. This includes fire and emergency safety, risk assessments, and ensuring systems and procedures are in place. Our projects ensure health and safety and food safety are always a priority,” she explains.

“You work hard but the benefits are fantastic. The work is varied and that’s what’s so enjoyable. We work with a large number of departments within Lidl supporting construction, facilities, property, procurement, sales and logistics,” she says.

“Lidl has a lot of women in leadership positions which is great to see. It’s the culture that keeps me here; it’s just such a positive work environment.”

Roisin Kelly, senior project manager property department Lidl Ireland

While Roisin says that the property industry is typically male dominated there are several women working on her direct team, which she says “is a positive shift forward”.

She joined Lidl seven years ago shortly after completing a degree in commerce and German. She started in an administrative role in the facilities management department before moving into the property department where she has worked in two different roles within that team.

“By participating in the training offered I’ve been given the opportunity to develop my skill set. We all have personal development plans with our managers, so there is a clear direction around what you need to do to develop your career,” she explains.

“Lidl has a significant number of woman directors and departments with woman heads. It’s great to see more women working in the field. For me, equal opportunities and diversity are very important in a company culture.”

Mary Kate McLoughlin, property leasing and disposals project manager, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland

Thanks to studies in construction management and a master’s in strategic management Mary-Kate applied to Lidl and got in as a junior project manager in acquisitions.

This, she explains, entailed liaising with developers to find new sites for new stores.

“Lidl has built mixed-use developments in prime, metropolitan areas. In Castleknock, for example, in addition to the supermarket we have a post office, a vet, a cafe, and a barber shop. Not many people are aware that Lidl is not only a retail discount food store operator but also a landlord. I am constantly learning on the job while managing this portfolio.

Her experience to date has exposed her to a degree of responsibility she doesn’t feel she would have experienced elsewhere. This includes working in different regions, including Northern Ireland. “Lidl is a fast moving environment as we constantly have to adapt to the market. The company provides you with the necessary support you need to grow professionally but more importantly the skill set to trust yourself and your abilities.”

In college, she had never considered a career at Lidl. “It just wasn’t on my radar. Now I do a lot of work with the colleges to raise awareness of Lidl’s large and expanding property department. Every student is now aware of the opportunities available at the organisation.”