Jones Bros celebrates its female staff this International Women’s Day5th Mar 2026

From officed-based roles to on-site activity, Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK is shining a spotlight on the key work carried out by female team members this International Women’s Day.

With the annual celebrations following on from Women in Construction Week, this year’s theme of ‘give to gain’ focuses on the importance of reciprocity and support in helping women in the sector thrive.

With this topic in mind, we spoke to several female employees across different departments to understand more about their career journeys with Jones Bros.

Holly Higgins

Having joined the Ruthin-based firm as a HSE Administrator in 2019, Holly has since expanded her skillset and now operates as a Workforce Coordinator, recruiting weekly paid plant operatives across projects throughout the UK.

During peak season, the business will employ around 500 operatives. Her position is vital to ensuring the business continues to run smoothly.

She said: “I had never worked in recruitment before, but I learnt day by day and the site experience my colleagues brought really helped me grow my understanding of the construction and plant industry, so I’m thankful for the support

“Although we still don’t see many women applying for plant operative roles, there have been several female applicants who have secured jobs with us and gone on to achieve great things at major projects such as the Havant Thicket reservoir.

“To women considering a career in construction, I’d say be bold and go for it. There are lots of roles to choose from and it can be a very rewarding career path.

Hayley Drane

Hayley Drane is an inspiring new talent at Havant Thicket Reservoir as an Environment Advisor for Future Water MJJV Ltd – a joint venture between Jones Bros and Mackley.

The Portsmouth University graduate, who is enjoying her time on the first large-scale new water storage reservoir in the UK since the 1980s, said: “I’ve been in my role for a year and a half now and have felt supported by my line manager, the teams on site, and all the environment advisors.

“From day one everyone has been helpful, welcoming, and have all assisted in helping to grow my knowledge in environmental aspects within a large construction project.

“This was my first position after finishing my environmental science degree, and since joining the scheme, another female member of staff has been recruited to the environment team, so it’s great to see more women enter the construction industry.

“My job is varied and rewarding. It includes a mixture of daily on-site activities and office work to help ensure the project is compliant with our environment management plans throughout the year.

“I would highly recommend looking at environmental roles to those interested in entering the sector.”

Gemma Roebuck

With nearly a decade of experience at Jones Bros under her belt, Gemma Roebuck’s career has skyrocketed.

From Site Agent and managing projects in the tendering department to being promoted to Senior Bid Manager, Gemma has taken on every opportunity to expand her skillset.

She said: “I began working in civil engineering at the age of 17 following my career advisor’s suggestion. It’s something I’m very thankful for and also something that I believe showcases the impact that promoting the sector to young women at an early stage can have.

“As a parent, the flexibility and work-life balance Jones Bros has provided has also been brilliant, as I’ve been offered various roles in the business that have accommodated both my personal and professional needs.”

Gemma is now enjoying sharing her knowledge with others, adding: “Alongside overseeing all the technical managers, I’m currently mentoring a female colleague, Erin Baxter, who is undertaking her degree apprenticeship with us.

“It’s great to pass on my knowledge to the next generation and see Erin’s confidence grow as she gains experience working on a variety of tenders and live projects.”

Jane Griffiths

Jones Bros Group Finance Director and Future Water MJJV Ltd Board Member Jane Griffiths is praising the family-owned firm for its strong support and mentorship.

Jane brings a wealth of experience as a former UK Finance Director for a global firm, and is currently responsible for overseeing the business’s financial operations, providing the financial oversight to support growth, managing finance and payroll teams as well as group projects.

Celebrating four years at the company this March, Jane said: “All the staff at Jones Bros, from the top down, have offered me excellent support by not only sharing their knowledge, but challenging me professionally. This has undoubtedly contributed to my growth and knowledge within the construction industry.

“I try to mirror the help I’ve received through my own open-door collaborative approach, encouraging colleagues to come to me for a conversation or advice whenever they need it, and it’s especially pleasing to extend mentorship and guidance to other driven individuals.

“Holding the lead finance role for a company that delivers such large and complex schemes is hugely rewarding, and I’d encourage women exploring their options to trust themselves and their own abilities and not be afraid to apply for roles in civil engineering.”

Michaela Baldock

Working her way up the ranks, Jones Bros Site Agent Michaela Baldock believes choosing a career in Civil Engineering is “one of the best things” she’s ever done.

Since joining the team at Sandy Knowe Wind Farm in Scotland as an Engineer in 2022, Michaela’s climb up the ladder means she is currently managing approximately 250 personnel on site, including groundworkers, foremen, and engineers at Sanquhar II Wind Farm.

She said: “There is lots of variety in my work and every day is different, so you’re continuously learning and overcoming new challenges, which I really enjoy.

“I also love the responsibility of leading my own team. Crucially, my colleagues, particularly my direct manager David Nicolson, are open and approachable so I know I have people I can turn to for help.”