Celebrating Excellence: Clare Llewellyn Wins at the 2025 Women in Construction and Engineering Awards

A seasoned professional in procurement, our colleague Clare Llewellyn was been named the winner in the Procurement category at this year’s Women in Construction and Engineering (WICE) Awards. With over two decades of experience working behind the scenes, Clare’s recognition marks a powerful moment — not just for her, but for the entire profession she represents.

A Moment of Recognition

Describing the win as “surreal,” Clare likened the experience to a common procurement experience — when a long lead item, feared to be delayed, miraculously arrives just in time. “It’s rare, magical, and slightly confusing — but you’ll absolutely take it,” she said.

For Clare, this award is more than a personal milestone. “It’s a win for every tight budget, every late-night spec change, every supplier negotiation, and every approval chased,” she shared. “It feels like the industry is finally saying, ‘We see you, and we get it.’ And that’s priceless.”

Shining a Light on Unsung Heroes

Clare is passionate about the often-overlooked role of procurement, supply chain, and logistics teams in construction. “Let’s be honest — our teams are often the quiet problem-solvers of the industry,” she said. “We’re not just placing orders behind a desk. We’re on-site, bridging departments, managing risk, ensuring compliance, and keeping operations moving — all while juggling tight budgets and tighter timelines.”

She emphasized the importance of including these roles in industry awards, noting the immense pressure and complexity they navigate daily. “If we can do all that while remembering what day it is, what site we’re dealing with, and which urgent message to respond to first…then yes, we absolutely deserve an award or two!”

A Team Triumph

Clare’s pride extended beyond her own achievement. This year, three other women from Kilnbridge also reached the finalist stage — a moment Clare described as “truly special.”

“I feel like a proud mum, proud sister, proud teammate,” she said. “Seeing four Kilnbridge women recognised shows that when we show up, we bring passion, heart, and a whole lot of resilience.”

She highlighted the shared challenges they’ve all faced — from tight deadlines to last-minute changes — and the strength it takes to meet them head-on. “This moment represents years of hard work, collaboration, and commitment. It’s about shining a light on the people who keep the wheels turning behind the scenes and boots on the ground.”

Reflecting on the Journey

The WICE Awards experience has been an emotional one for Clare. “At times, it felt more intense than prepping for HS2 approval — and that’s saying something,” she joked. But it also offered a moment of reflection on her journey, the people she’s worked with, and the battles she’s fought — both quietly and loudly.

“To anyone who’s ever felt overlooked because they weren’t on site with a hard hat — this one’s for you,” she said.