Moving, growing and thriving in the industry – International Women’s Day 2025

This International Women’s Day, in line with this year’s theme of ‘“For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, we sat down with some of the fantastic women at Kier Transportation to talk about their career journeys and the decisions they made to get where they are today - whether it was through having the bravery to make a big change or focusing on acquiring the right skills to make a real positive impact for others.?

Here's what they had to say...?

Transferring skills - Meet Edith Shah

I previously worked in social housing for over 20 years.?

This involved working in operational delivery and overseeing major projects relating to social housing assets. I was also responsible for ensuring that assets were managed and protected in accordance with regulations and policies.??

After working in this industry for over 20 years, I decided that it was time to look at how I could make a change in a different sector.?

When I saw the vacancy being advertised by Kier, I found myself drawn to the opportunities the business could bring me and the transferable skills I could offer them.??

I did a lot of research into Kier, looking at their values and how they aligned with my own. I came from an industry that encourages the development of their employees and so I was happy to see that Kier really cares about their employees’ futures.

During my career, I have mentored and developed several apprentices who went on to become managing directors and senior project leads.??

We recently attended our leaders’ conference which focused on growth mindset. Bringing people with different skill-sets from different sectors, that like me, could be an asset across the Group.?

Sometimes you have to move sideways to move up.?

I think if you want to change direction in your career, it's about being brave, staying strong and persevering. With the right passion, you will get there.?

Transcending Industries - Meet Yvonne Evans?

I began my career working at Wolverhampton Chamber of Commerce, where I focused on record checking, processing payments and ensuring compliance with ISO standards. But what truly motivated me was looking beyond the routine tasks, analysing our performance, understanding our contract requirements, and ultimately transforming our scores from negative to positive. ?

The difference this made for performance and morale went hand-in-hand.?

Seeing those improvements wasn’t just about hitting targets; it had a real impact on team morale and business performance.? I quickly realised that success wasn’t just about fixing numbers, it was about working collaboratively, refining processes, and making gradual changes that people could get behind. By engaging with colleagues across the business and showing them the benefits we were able to improve our service while minimising disruption. Change is always easier when people feel part of it.??

What I’ve learned transcends industries.?

Since then, my career has taken me across a wide range of industries, from the manufacturing of thermoplastic polymers to temporary power and then to food manufacturing, before joining EM Highways which later transitioned to Kier.?

Despite their differences, all these industries share things in common, for example they need to meet commitments to clients, achieve ISO certifications, and ensure legal governance. But beyond that, quality is also about driving efficiencies, finding opportunities to save time and resources both internally and externally. No matter the sector, the principles of quality management remain the same.?

Whether it’s related to health and safety, training, digital solutions or reaching sustainability goals, Quality touches all aspects of any business.??

Improving performance often means changing the way we work and making strategic investments for long-term benefits.? Getting buy-in can be particularly challenging, as change can sometimes be unsettling.??

Over the years I have seen positive changes in people's approach and attitudes when they see the value of good quality management - not just in compliance but in making everyday work more efficient and rewarding. It is a process of continual improvement which is not just about ticking boxes. It also creates a better work environment and adds real value to the business.?

For anyone considering a career in quality and business assurance, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. The rewards of seeing the improvements in process and performance translates across the whole of the business and wider.? Quality is not just a function; it is a mindset that benefits every industry.?

Growing through Kier - Meet Hannah Fleming?

I’ve been at Kier for 10 years now, but it doesn’t feel that way at all.?

I started as a finance manager in London and then my role grew from there really, as the senior finance manager for the maintenance portfolio to moving to lead the mobilisation of the Major Projects portfolio. My role now is the finance director for the projects, design, rail and digital portfolios.??

It's been an interesting time and it’s always something different which I enjoy. I’ve felt supported in the business and been given some great opportunities along the way as well which is really good.??

To see the number of women present in our senior leadership team is big for me.?

It's positive and something people can strive towards. There are some really good role models and I think everybody's relatable as well. Although the business has grown so much, the relationships are still there with the people.?

Flexible working was something I never really thought I'd be able to do. Now I work a four-day week. However, I still like to go out as I think it's important to build your relationships and I get a lot out of being on site!?

I used to travel quite a lot but then Covid-19 happened, and I was pregnant at the time, so I pretty much had to stop travelling in the February of 2020.??

I was nervous about coming back from maternity leave because everything had changed so much. Working from home was never a thing for me before!?

It’s great to have a balance. I enjoy the flexible approach and splitting my time between site visits and working from home. I also encourage my team to ensure they have a healthy work-life balance.?

Making a real impact - Meet Riana Hattrell?

I'm a site engineer at Oxford station – but I’m also an author of a children’s book.?

My day job consists of setting out works, compiling work pack, health and safety and quality assurance and the management of subcontractors.??

My book is called Sammi on Site and was produced through CECA NextGen - a foundation related to CECA Southern, where I am a member, that promotes the construction industry to young people. CECA approached us with the idea of creating a children's book.?

After showcasing several members storyboards, they really liked my idea, so from there I developed the storyboard, designed the digger that's on the front cover and found an illustrator. She, herself, is quite new to her own industry, so the project not only helped us make an impact, but also helped her to make an impact in her own industry too!?

I then found the publishers, and I think we've sold over 3000 copies and also gifted copies to different schools around the country during our engagement events. A proud moment was when the book was shortlisted for two awards at the back end of 2024.?

Having creative skills, as well as the drive and determination, were all major for me in getting this book published.?

Even if you know all the technical aspects and the procedures, having the ability to make things happen is all down to your motivation and I kind of knew that I wanted to make a real impact. It's being able to identify and seize opportunities which I found to be a major skill.??

My advice for women looking to make an impact in the industry is don't be afraid. I think that's the main thing.??

It's still a largely male dominated industry and I'm one of few women on my site. However, I’m not made to feel part of the minority, we’re all colleagues and there to get a job done – regardless of our gender, or any other defining factors, it's about how well we all work together to achieve a shared end goal.??

Overall, Kier have been very supportive of all of my ventures, both internally and externally, and have allowed me to strive to achieve my very best and celebrate the recognised hard work.???