THE INTERVIEW
Sheila's Voice
Demont’s first female Site Manager
Sheila’s path wasn’t predetermined. As a child, she watched her father manage construction sites for Demont, never imagining that one day she would take on a leadership role herself. Yet, step by step, she chose to face the same challenges, bringing with her a personal perspective, a solid technical vision, and genuine energy.
In the company’s fifty-year history, no one had ever distinguished themselves in this role as a woman. Through her work, Sheila has marked a cultural evolution, transforming an individual achievement into a positive signal for the entire industry.
She currently coordinates the Demont construction site at the TotalEnergies refinery in Grandpuits, France: a highly complex, international, and technically demanding environment. Here, she has demonstrated that it is expertise, vision, and organizational skills that truly matter, overcoming any remaining preconceptions in the sector.
We collected her first-hand testimony to recount the path that led her to achieve this goal in her own words.
What inspired you to take on the challenge of becoming a Site Manager?
Initially, it wasn’t my plan to become a Site Manager, but over time, it became a natural progression. Within the team, it became clear that I had the right qualities for this leadership and coordination role, and so the opportunity arose.
My goal was clear: I wanted to focus on Demont’s operational side, immerse myself in the practical work and understand how things really work. For me, there was nothing more stimulating than getting stuck in and experiencing the construction site firsthand.
Despite the challenges, such as working in containers in the rain and far from home, I wanted to be there, overseeing every step of the process. I firmly believe that to grow within a company, it’s essential to understand every aspect of production and how results are achieved.
What exactly does a Site Manager do?
I’m primarily responsible for organising and managing the construction site. This involves managing logistics, safety and staff working conditions.
Every day, I coordinate the schedule, constantly monitoring progress, organising teams and managing client relations. I need to have complete control over every aspect of the construction site, solving problems and ensuring that everything runs smoothly and safely.
What does it mean to be the first female Site Manager at Demont, and how do you feel about this responsibility?
Being the first female Site Manager at Demont is a challenge that I face with determination and pride. I believe in the power of teamwork and feel lucky to be supported by a solid team of motivated young people and experienced technicians.
Working on a construction site requires determination, regardless of gender. Value is demonstrated through actions: listening, vision, and problem-solving skills are qualities that make a difference, beyond any stereotypes. Contributing with a fresh perspective and effective solutions helps to change the culture, step by step.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your role?
Balancing technical management with scheduling tasks and resources is the biggest challenge. While each team member tends to focus on their specific task, I have to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
It’s not always easy, especially when we’re trying to achieve ambitious goals. It requires clarity, balance, and the ability to hold all the pieces of the puzzle together, even under pressure.
What do you hope to prove by the end of this project? What message would you like to send to women entering this field?
I hope to show that even in a technical and historically male-dominated sector like this one, a woman can manage a team, make complex decisions, and complete a project with competence and authority.
With courage and adaptability, we can not only succeed but also bring a new, broader, and clearer perspective. We shouldn’t exclude ourselves from environments like a refinery—that’s exactly where we can make a difference. The more women who enter these fields, the more our collective vision expands.
Beyond the construction site: a story of value
Sheila’s new role represents much more than a “first”: it is a concrete sign of the change taking place. At Demont, roles aren’t defined by categories but by the value each person brings.
Sheila has proven that even in historically less inclusive environments, it’s possible to become a technical and human point of reference. When talent is given room to express itself, the perspective changes for everyone.
Today we celebrate a milestone. Tomorrow, it will simply be part of who we are.