This is part of a special report produced in partnership with Gleeds
“I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving, maths and seeing projects come to life, which made engineering a natural fit for me,” says Leanne Broderick, managing director for regional building at Sisk.
Originally from the west of Ireland, Broderick studied civil engineering at the University of Galway before joining John Sisk & Son in 2004. “I’ve spent over 20 years working across Ireland and the UK. While I don’t have a fixed location, Galway is my closest office,” she explains.
In her current role, which she took up in October last year, she oversees business operations, project execution, financial performance, client and stakeholder management, and team leadership.
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Broderick’s journey in construction began with a conversation that shaped her future. “After graduating, I explored different career paths and spoke to a number of people.
One of them worked at Sisk and gave me great insight into the industry. That conversation led me to my first role as a graduate engineer on site with Sisk in October 2004,” she recalls.
Between joining Sisk and taking up her new role last year, Broderick moved to London, where she became a design manager and later led her own projects for several years.
In 2020, she returned to Ireland to take up the role as regional director for the contractor’s Dublin business.
Rather than identifying a single defining moment, Broderick credits a series of opportunities that she embraced along the way for accelerating her career.
“Each project and role has contributed to my growth. I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors and work colleagues who shared their knowledge, challenged me and shaped my approach,” she says.
“Their support, along with working in strong teams, has played a huge role in my development.”
We need to introduce young girls to the wide range of careers available in construction. At the same time, we should highlight how professionals from other industries can bring valuable, transferable skills to the sector
Leanne Broderick, managing director for regional building, Sisk
The construction industry is not without challenges, but Broderick views them as opportunities for learning and growth. “Every project comes with its challenges, but each one has been a learning experience. The key has always been to stay adaptable, work through problems with a great team, and use every challenge as a chance to develop,” she explains.
When asked about the best project she has worked on, Broderick finds it difficult to pick just one.
“I’d have to say two: The Convention Centre and Wilton Park in Dublin. The Convention Centre [Dublin] was special because it was one of the first projects I worked on from start to finish. Seeing it come to life and knowing it’s now a landmark venue for major events, including our own Supply Chain Awards, is incredibly rewarding. Wilton Park stands out for its exceptional quality and the strong team dynamic. The collaboration and attention to detail made it a truly fulfilling project to be part of,” she says.
Broderick acknowledges that the industry has made significant strides in attracting more women. “Sisk now has 20% female representation across the business,” she notes.
“To continue this progress, we need to introduce young girls to the wide range of careers available in construction. At the same time, we should highlight how professionals from other industries can bring valuable, transferable skills to the sector.”
Asked whether she sees herself as a role model, Broderick is modest. “I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a role model, but I do hope that by sharing my experiences, I can encourage more women to pursue leadership roles in construction. It is fantastic to see more and more women on sites and in our offices,” she says.
Broderick takes immense pride in her career achievements. “There’s a real sense of accomplishment every time a project is completed. Seeing something you helped build come to life – and knowing it will leave a lasting impact – is always incredibly rewarding,” she says.
Her advice for women considering a career in the built environment is simple: “Dream big, work hard, and trust in your abilities. Whether it’s engineering or another area of construction, there are so many opportunities if you stay curious and dedicated.”
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