Jeanine Cooke: Construction Operations Manager
Jeanine Cooke began her career as an interior designer, despite wanting to become a building apprentice at 16. Females weren’t to be builders, her family had said, but now, Janine and her partner Tom Hedley own and operate The Hedley Group in Cairns, one of the largest construction companies in Australia.
Jeanine’s desire to enter the construction industry began as a child, coming from a family where her father was a builder. However, her own entry into the industry didn't begin until she moved to Cairns in her 20s – and it wasn’t through an apprenticeship.
She applied for a job in administration at a local plumbing firm, run by Tom Hedley. As the business grew, Jeanine wanted to try her hand at interior design, instead of outsourcing.
“I’m the type to put my hand up and ask for a go,” she says. “When we started to get more involved in construction, I asked Tom if I could take on a bigger role. It was very much learn-as-you-go.”
Jeanine wanted to challenge herself by learning more about the business. “Tom was a bit dubious at first but I wanted more scope and believed I could do it.”
Now, she is Operations Manager for the company, which has over 500 staff, with five divisions in the company including joinery, maintenance, construction and investments. And today, Tom Hedley is on the BRW Rich list, estimated to be worth $500 million in 2005.
Challenges
As a female working in one of North Queensland's largest Property Developers and Construction Companies, it isn’t always easy. She’s worked with builders in the construction industry and she’s had to work hard. “I’ve had to earn their respect and while I may not always have the technical know-how, I’m willing to listen, make the tough calls and be decisive.”
“Sometimes it helps to have someone around who can think outside the square. It’s not the men on site who have trouble taking orders from a woman, it’s more likely to be men in the office,” she laughs.
And being in a relationship with her boss? “We are partners in life but in the business, I am an employee. Tom is the boss.”
The best part of the job?
When I was 16, I wanted to take on an apprenticeship and become a builder but my parents wouldn’t let me. So I consider myself very lucky to be where I am, doing the work I do. I love the opportunities I have in the building industry and feel fulfilled.
The hardest part of the job?
[The work] can be all consuming.
Sourced from Narelle Muller, http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/03/04/1965_lifestyle.html