International Women’s Day – we hear from Estimating Manager Natalia on career progression

To mark International Women’s Day, we are sharing insights from women who have demonstrated strength and determination to further their careers. We hear from Natalia Underwood, Estimating Manager at Caxton Builders. Natalia, who has worked her way up to a senior role through hard work and dedication, tells us about overcoming challenges in the male-dominated construction industry.

Tell us about your industry experience and your role at Caxton Group.

I have been in the industry for over seven years, starting my career in administration. I trained internally to become an assistant estimator and was then promoted to an estimator. I joined Caxton Group in January 2024 as an estimating manager for Caxton Builders.

As a woman working in the construction sector, have you faced any challenges?

Not any specific challenges however I have faced ‘catcalling’ in the past during site visits. I have a thick skin, and I don’t let things like that get to me. I know my worth, I have worked hard to get where I am today.

What unique perspectives do you think women bring to the sector, and how have you seen these contributions make a difference?

Women bring much-needed diversity and often a different perspective to the male-dominated construction industry. Women make up about 15% of the workforce in construction with the majority being in office positions, not out on site. Less than 1% of site workers are women. Caxton Group has an ongoing commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. It means a lot to work for a company with this ethos.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #InspiringInclusion. What advice do you have for women working in or considering working in the industry?

I would encourage all women to work hard and push themselves forward. Ask for training, and mentorship, and believe that anything is possible. I don’t have a relevant degree; my learning was on-the-job training. I believe that you don’t necessarily require a degree and years at university to be good at your job…as long as you work hard, and show commitment and enthusiasm, I believe anyone can progress. This was not easy for me, I am Polish and English is my second language. But I got the right training to further develop my career and I am very proud of what I achieved.

Have you had any influential mentors or role models and how have they impacted your career?

My Commercial Director, Ian Knight has played a pivotal role in my career development. He believed in me, and ensured I received the right training and mentoring which helped me to progress from an administration role to estimating manager”.

Ian Knight, Caxton Builders Commercial Director added, “Diversity and inclusion serve as a core building block of a strong, resilient business. At Caxton Group our ethos is to identify potential and help people to develop through training and support from colleagues. If individuals have the right work ethic and the desire to learn, this is the greatest possible asset. Natalia has always had this in abundance along with the drive to succeed”.

Let’s continue to empower and uplift each other. Happy International Women’s Day!