Published 04/03/26
International Women's Day: Meet the women at wienerberger making significant impact in construction
Celebrating the women at wienerberger whose effort contributes to the success and growth of our business and the construction industry at large.
The month of March holds special significance for us at wienerberger, as it gives us a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the remarkable women whose expertise, resilience, and leadership continue to shape our business and inspire progress across the wider industry.
As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, we are spotlighting some women across wienerberger, from our factory offices to customer support, sales and HR, these women are pushing boundaries and raising standards in the construction sector that has historically lacked representation.
Melanie Pears, Senior Customer Support Advisor at wienerberger Sandtoft, joined the organisation in 1981 when she just turned 16, and over the last 44 years have worked in various departments; Sales, Accounts, HR, Dispatch, Customer Support and more.
“I started working at wienerberger on a youth training scheme. Six months later, I was taken on full-time and began my journey in the Sales department at Sandtoft. After a few years in Sales, I moved into Accounts, where I managed wages and purchase ledger. I later spent some time in Dispatch, helping plan the haulage needed to get tiles out the door, before moving back into Accounts where I became a manager. I took a career break to have my children and returned later as part-time, focusing mainly on purchase ledger work. Later, I moved into the Works Office fully, where I handled wages for the factory, engineering costings, and part of HR, keeping certificates and records up to date. Not long after, I went back into Sales as an inputter, later became an Advisor, and eventually progressed to Senior Advisor, which is my role today.”
For Melanie, wienerberger is family as she was born to two wienerberger employees. When asked what has kept her within the business for over four decades, Melanie explains that wienerberger is all she’s ever known and her career journey has been seamless so far.
“wienerberger has always felt like home, like a closeknit community. Before it was acquired by wienerberger, Sandtoft was a family run business. My mum and dad met here in the factory, and that’s how I came along. My brother works here too, and even my daughter has worked briefly in my department. After all these years, the pride we take in our work and the way we look after each other hasn’t changed and that’s what has kept me here these years. I’ve been working here for 44 years, and I hope to be here for 50 years or even more.” – Melanie Pears, Senior Customer Support Advisor at wienerberger, Sandtoft.
Charlotte Cohoon, Office Administrator at wienerberger's Denton site, who has always wanted to work at wienerberger since she was a child, now sits at the same office where she envisaged she would be as an adult.
“When I was six, my dad was working here. I used to come in on the weekends, sit in the office, and see the lady who worked my role at the time. I always said I wanted to work in this office and use the timer. I eventually started working at wienerberger in November 2010. It’s been nearly sixteen (16) years now and I’m living my dream. Also, my role and office location is convenient for me as I only live down the road.“
When asked about how her role contributes to the overall business Charlotte comments.
“I’m the first line of contact when anyone visits our site in Denton and I know how important it is to ensure that our guests and colleagues have a safe and productive time on site. The work comes with loads of back and forth, resolving call queries, responding to emails, sorting out HR, and general admin duties, to ensure everything around the office and factory runs smoothly. Although we do have day‑to‑day challenges, we always find a way to resolve them.“
Charlotte says wienerberger is her second home because her family works in the organisation as well.
“I work here, my mum’s worked here, my dad’s worked here, my brother’s worked here, and my husband currently works her too. Possibly, my kids could end up working here. A lot of people, even from other sites say they feel welcome here and that’s why people stay for quite a long time on the job.“ – Charlotte Cohoon, Office Admin, wienerberger Denton.
Sally Webster, Office Manager at wienerberger, Sandtoft first joined the organization as a temporary administrator, and has worked with wienerberger for 11 years.
“When I first started working at wienerberger, I managed all the administration within the Sandtoft factories and on site. The role developed over the years, and my responsibilities grew bigger. I usually start my week with sorting out the payroll and that is my priority because, ensuring that the guys in the factory get paid every week and correctly is important to the business. I also process orders, ensuring that all the orders for materials are placed and delivered. This is essential to keep the factories running, because without these items there would be no production. We also organise training for the employees on the factory floor and I manage the canteen on site.”
When asked what her proudest achievement has been working at wienerberger, Sally comments.
“The one time that has shaped my career with wienerberger would have to be when I successfully completed my ILM Level 3 with distinction. The Institute of Leadership and Management training was fully funded by wienerberger and has helped me with working more effectively and being more confident in my day-to-day responsibilities.” – Sally Webster, Office Manager wienerberger, Sandtoft.
Experience working in a male dominated industry
“In the early days, when some of our customers’ call came in to a woman, they would ask to speak to someone else. A lot of them used to ask technical details about the tiles, and I’d say, ‘that tile may not be the right one for your project,’ and they’d say, ‘well, what do you know? I want to speak to somebody higher.’ Considering construction is male-dominated, they usually say that not because you don’t have enough knowledge to advise them but because you’re a woman. Thankfully, things have changed now. When most customers come to us, I can advise them confidently without fear of being brushed aside. So, to every woman out there. You just keep on going, and you make sure that they hear you. Don’t be shoved off at all. Stand your ground.” – Melanie Pears, Senior Customer Support Adviser at wienerberger, Sandtoft.
“As a woman working in a male oriented environment, I thrive because I am approachable. The team know I’m always there to answer their questions and resolve their issues and they realise the importance of having somebody there for them like that. So, for every woman out there who is working in a male-dominated environment: you’ve got this, girl. You go for it, be yourself, and you will thrive.” – Sally Webster, Office Manager at wienerberger Sandtoft.
As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, let these stories remind us that the future of construction is bright with women who continue to challenge norms, expand possibilities, and redefine what the industry can become.
Happy International Women’s Day, from all of us at wienerberger UK & Ireland.
