Glanua is delighted to see our Bid Coordinator, Fainche O Connell featured in the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) spotlight on over 100 inspiring women shaping Ireland’s built environment!
Fainche has over 10 years’experience as a Bid Coordinator within the Construction Industry in both Ireland and Australia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Irish and a Master’s degree in Business and Information Technology (through Irish).
To see interview on CIF website https://cif.ie/women-in-construction/
Here’s Fainche’s interview…
· What do you love most about working in construction, and what keeps you motivated every day?
I love the pace of this role, it can often be the case where we are working on several different bids at once, and it is up to you to ensure that nothing is missed or left out of the submission. You are essentially the glue to bring the bid together so you have to ensure that everything is coordinated and managed, usually liaising with multiple different departments throughout the bid.
The feeling of accomplishment and team satisfaction once a bid has been submitted is a feeling like no other, it’s great to work with dedicated and enthusiastic people, and know that you were an integral part of potentially winning your company a project or a framework.
· How did you get involved in construction?
To be honest, I did not even know what a tender was when I first started in this role! I was in a temporary position in a Water & Wastewater company (doing data entry) and when my contract was almost finished the MD came to me and asked if I would be interested in moving into a permanent role in the Tendering/Bid Department. I jumped at the chance, and as silly as it sounds, I fell in love with the role and with the construction industry from then on. It suits my personality, as I can be quite a meticulous, organised person, so the pace and level of detail the role requires suits me.
· Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of your impact on a project or team?
I tendered a $100M Private Hospital bid in Australia, and shortly into the tendering process, my boss at the time was unexpectedly let go. I was still relatively new to the role, and the whole responsibility for coordinating and pulling together the bid (which involved multiple external stakeholders due to the size and complexity of the project) fell entirely to me. It was extremely daunting, but the bid was submitted to a very high standard, and the company ended up winning the project. This still stands out as a triumph for me, as it helped me see that I was a valuable part of the team and had the ability to perform the role to a very high level.
· What unique strengths do you feel women bring to the construction industry?
I think that women bring very unique strengths to the construction industry that enhance innovation, efficiency, and workplace culture. Their strong communication skills can help to foster collaboration among teams, improving communication, problem-solving and decision-making. Women also tend to have a keen eye for detail, and as such contribute to higher-quality work, ensuring safety and compliance on every bid.
I think that Women bring a fresh perspective to the planning and execution of a bid, and their approach to risk management and safety will often lead to more proactive solutions, thus reducing workplace stress and incidents.
By recognising and embracing these strengths, the construction industry can become more dynamic, productive, and innovative. Encouraging more women to join the field will not only bring balance but will also drive the industry toward a more progressive and inclusive future.
· How have you seen the construction industry change to become more inclusive and supportive of women?
From when I began in the Construction Industry over 10 years ago, I feel that it has made significant strides toward becoming more inclusive and supportive of women, and the progress is both inspiring and encouraging. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in workplace culture, with greater recognition of the value women bring to the industry. Forward thinking companies (like Glanua!) are actively working to break down barriers by promoting diversity, offering mentorship programs, and creating more equitable career advancement opportunities for women.
One of the most impactful changes has been the increased visibility of women in leadership roles. More women are stepping into key leadership roles such as directors, project managers, engineers, and safety officers, proving that success in construction is not defined by gender but by skill, expertise, and dedication. It is imperative that young women who are unsure of what career path to explore, see women in these power roles, so that they understand that the sky really is the limit.
Additionally, I feel that the industry has made vast improvements in workplace policies, including flexible work arrangements, family-friendly benefits, and stronger measures to combat discrimination and harassment. This renewed understanding and flexibility has made the construction industry a more welcoming and supportive environment for women to thrive.
With ongoing efforts to encourage young women to pursue careers in construction through scholarships, apprenticeships, and outreach programs, the future looks even brighter. As more women join and excel in the field, they are paving the way for a new generation of talent, innovation, and leadership.
· What excites you about the future of construction, and how do you see women shaping the industry?
The future of construction is very exciting, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a shift toward more inclusive and diverse workforces. Advancements in technology—such as AI, automation, and sustainable building materials—are transforming the industry in a huge way, making it more efficient, environmentally friendly, and (hopefully) adaptable to global challenges.
I believe that women are playing a key role in this transformation. As leaders, engineers, project managers, and skilled tradespeople, they are bringing fresh perspectives to problem-solving, design, and project execution. A better emphasis on collaboration, attention to detail, and strong leadership skills are helping to drive innovation, improve safety standards, and create more inclusive workplaces.
As the industry evolves, women will continue to shape its future by championing sustainability, advocating for smarter work processes, and inspiring the next generation of talent. Women’s growing presence will not only diversify the industry but also strengthen it, ensuring construction remains forward-thinking, resilient, and built for the future.