Chartered women members show the way in the Middle East

Image: Eranda Ekanayake/Dreamstime.com

Membership of the CIOB in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region is an estimated 1,300, of which only 190 are female.

The construction sector in the region has its challenges and, coupled with a transient workforce and unpredictable changes in the market, it is vital that our membership remains diverse and celebrates the pioneering women leading the way.

The following five Chartered professionals either currently work in MENA or, after many years in the region, have recently relocated. They have not only adapted and embraced the culture but have excelled in a constantly evolving industry where the key to progression is diversity and inclusivity.

Their career paths may be varied but all, with the support of CIOB membership, continue to lead the way for other women in the sector to follow. By sharing their stories and experiences, they hope to continue to inspire others to join this exciting industry and to highlight the success that females can, and are, having in their construction careers.

Noreen Hollywood FCIOB, executive director, Hollywood Associates, Dubai

I first became interested in construction as a young girl when my father worked as a bricklayer and I desperately wanted to go on site with him. He was eager that I get an education and so I later graduated with a BSc (Hons) Building Surveying degree and developed a passion for the restoration and conservation of our built heritage.

I was encouraged to get commercial experience, leading me to a job in contract administration on the Crossrail project. This led to opportunities on other mega-projects, such as Qatar Rail and other infrastructure projects in the Middle East. Today, I am the executive director for Hollywood Associates, a contracts and claims management consultancy, previously seconded onto a major rail project in Abu Dhabi as the procurement and tender manager.

My work with the CIOB has been an amazing journey filled with professional and personal rewards. As well as supporting my own career development, I’ve had the privilege to serve on the Dubai Local Hub Committee and Regional Hub Committee, be the educational lead in the Middle East, the MENA Congress Representative at the Members’ Form, and serve on the Education, Qualification, Standards and Practice (EQSP) board.

However, the pinnacle has been my recent election on to the CIOB Board of Trustees, an important role allowing me to help shape the organisation for the benefit of all members.

My career has given me some incredible highlights. I reduced a £1m claim to zero on a public-funded project and I have been the “eagle eye” on a recent tender that, if left uncorrected, would have resulted in no tenderers on a $409m project. I have also negotiated and secured contracts for clients, proof-reading and rewriting a contract for a $35bn project.

Moreover, I have also been fortunate to encourage the next generation, presenting to construction students at local universities in Dubai leading to a 63% increase in student membership in the region.

I believe education is everything and that being Chartered is the foundation with which to build a career upon. I have maintained long-standing professional relationships with clients, contractors and developers, and coupled with my work experience, I incorporate that as a guest lecturer to create and foster a positive learning environment that empowers students and motivates them to excel as young construction professionals.

Ariane Dens MCIOB, associate director, Mack Commercial Management & Contract Consultants, Dubai

My commitment and passion for the construction industry comes from being born into it as my father’s entire career was oil and gas and I’ve only ever wanted to do the same. I was brought up being encouraged that if I worked hard, I could be and do anything I wanted.

So, when I was first told I couldn’t be a project manager as I wasn’t an engineer, I laughed! It set me a challenge, one that I met and exceeded with 13 years as a project, then senior project manager.

In fact, a specific highlight in my career was being nominated and sponsored by the Engineering and Construction Industry Training Board to undertake their MBA/MSc in Management, their first candidate from a non-engineering background. It was a huge nod to my capabilities and acknowledgment of my commitment to the industry.

I started my career as a business graduate, rotating through various disciplines (in truth to eliminate what I didn’t enjoy or want to do) and received a great sense of pride in developing others and ensuring they get the same support and opportunities that I received when I started my career.

My experience in the delivery and execution of large and mega projects allows me to utilise the managerial, commercial and contractual skills I have gained in various fields, both onshore and offshore, to provide guidance to my clients.

Everything I have been exposed to – the good, the bad, and particularly, the ugly – have provided me with continuous learning opportunities and I see them all as successes that have shaped my career.

I was introduced to the CIOB just three years ago by a true CIOB “power couple”: Noreen Hollywood and her husband Sean. They epitomise all that the organisation stands for: professional, ethical, committed to industry and passionate about development. What wasn’t to like? Now I’m Chartered, with almost 30 years’ experience within the oil and gas industry and my career has given me the opportunity to live and work in various countries, with the last 12 years in the Middle East. 

For me, learning comes in various forms – new projects, new clients, new countries, new cultures and, of course, the CIOB. Sharing these experiences and mentoring people, helping to develop knowledgeable, professional and fully rounded individuals, the next generation of construction professionals, is by far my most satisfying role.

Jennifer Bradfield MCIOB, senior project manager (consultancy), Mace, Qatar & Dubai

I’m never one to shy away from a challenge and I have enjoyed what the construction industry has brought me in terms of challenges and achievements.

My construction career began with FermEng as a site manager with renovations within Abbott Laboratories l factories in Ireland and I’ve spent the past decade gaining experience orchestrating the full lifecycle of construction ventures.

Having joined Mace in 2012, I have been exposed to some of the most amazing projects, experts and practical experience that has supported my journey.