In construction chemicals, performance is measured in practical outcomes: safer working, consistent quality, technically sound decisions and stronger customer results. Those outcomes depend on the people making and challenging decisions across laboratories, manufacturing plants, construction sites and customer teams.
For Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals UK & Ireland, inclusion is therefore not separate from operational performance. It helps create the conditions for a broader range of expertise, experience and perspectives to influence how the business works.
That principle is reflected in the careers of three women working in different departments across the organisation.
For Hazel Phillips, HR Director, the opportunity is to turn ambition into purposeful, measurable progress. By looking more deeply at workforce representation across functions, career stages and leadership levels, to help build a clearer picture of where talent is thriving, where potential can be unlocked, and where the business can do more to support recruitment, retention, development and progression.
This also requires honesty about the barriers that still exist. Saint-Gobain’s UK Gender Pay Gap reporting recognises that manufacturing and production remain disproportionately male, including at senior levels. Meaningful progress will come from sustained focus, openness and accountability — turning insight into action, and action into lasting change.
“Real change is created when ambition is matched by accountability. By measuring what matters, investing in people and opening pathways for diverse talent to grow, we can build a stronger, more innovative business shaped by a broader range of voices and perspectives.”
For Hayley Eberharter, Site Support Specialist, inclusion is visible in the delivery of live projects. She supports product application, diagnoses site issues, advises contractors and delivers surveys and training.
On site, credibility comes from competence, judgement and advice that protects safety, quality and performance. Visibility matters because future talent should see that technical authority is not defined by gender.
“Women have long been solving complex construction challenges, earning customers’ trust and helping projects succeed. Making that contribution more visible should encourage more women to see technical construction as a career where they can build expertise and make a real difference.”
The commercial perspective is represented by Jenny Claringbould, who works with end clients, consultants and contractors to understand project requirements and connect customers with the right combination of products, technical expertise and support.
Construction customers increasingly need suppliers to engage with project risk, standards compliance, sustainability, programme pressures and supply continuity – not simply price. A commercial team drawing on vast experience can broaden customer understanding, challenge assumptions and strengthen long-term relationships.
“I have never felt that I needed to change who I am to succeed in what is still a traditionally male-dominated industry. Confidence helps, but lasting respect comes from technical knowledge, problem solving and consistently supporting our customers.”
At Group level, Saint-Gobain reported that women represented 29.6% of managers and 27% of senior managers in 2025. Women also held 43.8% of positions on the Group Executive Committee and 30.3% across Business Unit Executive Committees. The Group has established a 2030 target for women to hold 33% of management positions.
The figures matter, but they are not the complete story. Progress becomes tangible when women enter the sector, have their expertise recognised, see routes to progression and influence decisions at every level.
By making careers in HR leadership, commercial sales and technical site support visible, Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals aims to show future talent that chemicals and manufacturing offer varied, demanding and influential careers, and that the industry will be stronger when it draws on the widest possible talent pool.
Visit saint-gobain.co.uk/careers to find out more about careers at Saint-Gobain.
