Celebrating International Women’s Day – Meet Rachael Williams

To celebrate “International Women’s Day”, we’re meeting some of the wonderful women that work here at C&L. Today we meet Rachael!

Name: Mrs. Rachael Williams

Job Title: Business Development Manager – Civils and Lintels

Length of Service: 18 months with this company, and 31 years total in the industry.

What does your role involve? My role encompasses several key areas:

• Territory-based Account Management: I manage client accounts within a specific geographic area.
• Negotiation and Facilitation: I negotiate and facilitate communication between our branch teams, clients, and suppliers, building and maintaining strong relationships.
• Sales and Procurement: I handle the daily sales and purchasing of products for our clients, emphasizing both product quality and exceptional service. My goal is to solidify our relationships with clients and suppliers, working closely with our branch network and business leaders.

How do you feel being one of the few women in your workplace?

While being a woman in this industry presents challenges, I view them as opportunities to demonstrate my abilities and worth.

What interests you in your role?

The clients and suppliers are the core of my work. I strive to represent my company to the best of my ability. We have incredible people in this industry, and working with them, though challenging, is incredibly rewarding.

How did you get to your position? Any advice to others?

My passion for the industry and genuine interest in its developments have driven my career. I haven’t always followed a planned path, but I’ve embraced every opportunity to expand my skills and experience. My advice is to be passionate about the industry, and embrace offered opportunities.

What do you like about working for C&L?

I appreciate our clients, suppliers, and the exciting construction projects we’re involved in. Having worked for competitors and supply chains in the past, like many of my colleagues, it’s the industry itself that keeps me engaged.

How do you feel working in a male-dominated environment?

I feel inspired and motivated. While there’s still some resistance, it’s declining. I believe women are equally valuable in this industry, and I hope my skills demonstrate that we are fully integrated.

Do you think being a woman in this industry has affected your opportunities for career development?

The biggest challenge I’ve encountered is convincing colleagues of the value of women’s industry events. There’s a concern that they might be seen as preferential treatment. However, these events are crucial for networking, support, and encouraging more women to join the industry, which ultimately promotes equality within the business.