Meet the team: Rox Newton

Rox joined Scotts Timber Engineering towards the end of 2023 as a process manager.

With over 12 years’ experience within the construction industry, Rox has worked her way up from a sales administrator and progressed to a management role as a process manager with Scotts Timber Engineering.

On a day-to-day basis, Rox analyses the processes at Scotts Timber Engineering and identifies areas that could be improved by implementing procedures and streamlining internal operations so the company can provide quality services to its customers.

We spoke to Rox about her work, including how she joined the industry.

Can you tell us about your career in the construction industry?

I started my career when I was 19 and joined a timber engineering company as a sales administrator. I spent over a decade working my way up to an operations manager role. During this time, I worked across every department and focused on understanding the products that were sold, and the business processes from manufacturing and delivery to IT systems on data extraction, analysis, and reporting.

At the same time, I obtained a degree in business management and PRINCE2 certification in project management. For me, ensuring you have the right knowledge before you step into a new role is important; however, if you are offered a role and have the opportunity to further your knowledge, then use the opportunity to learn.

I spent a further six months working in business development within the industry which helped confirm my passion for internal operations, which also led me to join Scotts Timber Engineering as their process manager.

What did you think about the construction industry before joining it? And have your views changed since?

I never imagined myself joining a male-dominated industry, as I didn’t see the potential for women in the industry when I was 19. Over the years, my views have changed, and I have quickly learnt the importance of having women in management positions and being present during decision-making situations.

If you ask me now, I would not leave the construction industry, as I value the ever-growing female presence and intellectual dynamic that female management brings to an industry which is historically male.

What advice would you give to a woman entering the industry?

If you are offered an opportunity within the construction industry, take it. Don’t feel intimidated by the historical stereotype that surrounds the sector.

Keep a positive mindset and don’t hesitate to lean on your colleagues for advice and guidance, we were all the ‘new person’ once, and you are hired because of your skills.

If your company allows you to do so, work in different departments and learn the skills of that department, you could potentially learn a new skill, or like me, it could help you realise your passion within certain departments.

The dynamic in the construction industry is different to ten or even five years ago and women are welcomed, recognised, and valued.

How do you think construction can attract more female candidates?

Start targeting the younger demographics at school age. We were exposed to many different industries from a young age, but how many of us were introduced to construction?

If the industry can attend school career fairs, then there may be a chance to attract more females to join.

A developing construction industry usually means a positive and growing nation; however, the sector is currently facing challenges that need to be addressed.

The rising cost of material and labour costs are concerning factors, several reports show it has been significantly harder to source skilled tradespeople than before the pandemic.

Supply chain instability and rising interest rates are also deeply concerning. With regards to skill shortages, perhaps introducing the younger generation to the construction industry while they are still in school could help with skill shortages, but this will be a long-term strategy.