ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGER AT VEOLIA

Zoë Gottlieb , Engineering Project Manager at Veolia gives her perspective on Women ’ s Engineering Day . As a 28-year-old working in the sector , Zoë offers a firsthand insight into her experience in a male-dominated industry , as well as what the day means to her .

What do you love about your job ?

Without a doubt , my favourite aspect of the role is the people I get to work alongside . Large-scale construction projects require extensive planning , communication and teamwork . I take pride in managing a team where everyone has the same goals and is passionate about finding sustainable solutions , contributing to ecological transformation and combating climate change . I also love mentoring other strong , influential women and demonstrating what is possible .

At Veolia , the significance of my work extends far beyond the construction site . Each project contributes to a sustainable , netzero future and it is a privilege to be part of a company that is actively shaping a better world for generations to come . In my role , I ’ m encouraged to bring new innovative ideas to the table to find the best solutions for our clients , which is something I love .

The feeling of reward and accomplishment once a project is complete is fantastic . We work in a high-pressure , demanding industry where the ability to learn and adapt quickly is crucial . However , with the right people and a strong team around you , the results can be exceptional .

Did you always want to be an engineer ? Why ? Did you have any role models ? What inspired you ?

From the age of 17 , I knew I wanted to be an engineer . It all started during a summer trip to a country in the Middle East , where I witnessed incredible innovations through the use of solar panels and new technology . Seeing such creative solutions to critical problems ignited a passion in me for engineering that has never waned .

Throughout my engineering journey , I found inspiration in the achievements of women like Dr Frances Arnold , a chemical engineer and Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry . Her work in directed evolution has paved the way for sustainable solutions in various fields . Dr . Arnold ’ s perseverance and groundbreaking contributions have shown me that women can lead and innovate at the highest levels in engineering , reinforcing my determination to make a difference in my field .

While my path has been shaped by patience , grit and determination , I hope to serve as a role model for the next generation of women engineers , proving that with passion and resilience , we can achieve remarkable things .

Has it been challenging to be a woman in engineering ?

Many women have made significant contributions to engineering and efforts are underway to promote gender diversity , inclusivity and support systems for women in these fields which is why I love initiatives such as IWED .

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