Women in Construction Week: Jess and Marisa Show How Visible Career Pathways Strengthen Construction

As we mark Women in Construction Week, ITP is proud to celebrate the talented women helping to shape the future of our industry and our business.

Construction has long been a male-dominated sector, but positive change is emerging, if a little slower than desired. Industry figures show that female representation has increased from around 11% in 2014 to 14% in 2024. While there is still progress to be made, this upward trend reflects meaningful movement and reinforces the importance of continuing to encourage, support and develop female talent across every level of the built environment.

At ITP, we have some outstanding women at the heart of our business, with representation significantly higher than the national average at 25% of our workforce. Today, we’re spotlighting two incredible members of our team who have made a significant impact: Jess Harrison and Marisa Schofield.

Jess joined ITP in 2019, bringing a strong background in sales and business development to her role as Account Manager for the South West, Wales & Midlands. Transitioning from the healthcare sector into construction, she quickly established herself as a specialist in ITP’s advanced range of protective building membranes, securing specifications on some of the UK’s most high-profile developments. Her role regularly takes her onto construction sites to provide technical support and guidance to clients.

“When I first moved into construction, I was aware it would be male-dominated — and it still is on construction sites,” says Jess. “But in my experience, the visibility of women in leadership and key management roles has undoubtedly increased across the supply chain. I’m meeting more female architects, project managers and decision-makers than ever before. There are still moments where you’re the only woman in a meeting or on site, but I’ve always found that knowledge speaks volumes. The industry is evolving and it’s encouraging to be part of that shift.”

Jess is a strong advocate for encouraging more women into sales, specification and construction-facing roles, demonstrating that technical expertise and relationship building are key drivers of success.

Marisa joined ITP 15 years ago as an Account Manager and became a key figure in business development, overseeing sales of building membranes across the South of England. In 2025, she transitioned into the role of Project Lead — tracking complex construction projects, particularly high-rise buildings, from specification through to site completion. Working closely with architects, main contractors and sub-contractors, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring technical standards are achieved and projects progress smoothly from design through to delivery.

“When I joined ITP, there were far fewer women in commercial and project-facing roles,” says Marisa. “Over the years, I’ve seen real progress, particularly in professional and technical positions. Construction can still be challenging, but the support networks are stronger and opportunities are broader. My career has evolved alongside the industry, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.”

Marisa’s journey reflects the value of long-term development and progression within the sector, from graduate entry to senior project oversight.

At ITP, we recognise that construction is competing with every other sector for the huge depth of female talent exploring career choices today. Like any modern industry, it is incumbent on us to ensure construction is attractive, accessible and supportive for people of all genders. Supporting development and showcasing clear career pathways is key to achieving this. By championing progression and increasing the visibility of diverse role models, we can help the sector attract the best talent and build a stronger future.