Careers in Construction Month - No Two Days are the Same

Author: Oliver Gould, Marketing Manager
 

“No two days are the same.”
It sounds like a line ripped from an ‘80s buddy-cop movie - the grizzled veteran schooling the rookie on their first day. But it’s actually what the Head of Marketing at FM Conway told me during my interview for the Marketing Manager role. And honestly? It’s become one of my favourite ways to describe working in marketing here.

Now, before we go any further, a quick heads-up: there may be the occasional movie pun or film reference scattered throughout. Consider it my way of adding a little Los Angeles sparkle to a story about high-vis, hard hats, and the hidden magic of marketing in construction.

This #CareersInConstructionMonth, I want to share why, while it may not be Hollywood, the construction and infrastructure sector has plenty to offer marketeers looking to hone their craft.

(And just to clarify - I wasn’t actually suggesting my Head of Marketing is “grizzled.” Let’s just clear that up.)

From Siloed to All-In: Entering the Construction Set

Before joining FM Conway, I worked in the energy sector, where the marketing team was much bigger - and much more segmented. Each person had their own specialist area. Functions were siloed, responsibilities tightly defined.

I’m someone who likes to see a project through from beginning to end, so the role at FM Conway couldn’t have come at a better time. Once I joined, I quickly realised just how broad the word "marketing" can be - and how fast my own very particular set of skills would need to expand.

Lights, Camera, Communication

Day-to-day, I am responsible for marketing and communications across FM Conway. That includes everything from client bulletins and social media content to producing our in-house magazine, Construct. These channels are all about celebrating the brilliant work our teams deliver across numerous contracts.

Clients see the data - stats, milestones, KPIs - but it’s our job in marketing to tell the story behind those numbers in a way that’s engaging, exciting, and accessible. We make sure that nothing is Lost in Translation between the technically complex work FM Conway delivers and what clients and end users ultimately experience.

Often, the bespoke solutions and expertise behind the scenes are hidden by the clean, polished end result. That’s where we come in: to shine a spotlight on the full journey and make sure the incredibly talented teams behind the work are recognised.

Wearing Many Hats (And Sometimes a Hard Hat)

Beyond the usual, I often find myself stepping into roles like event planner, photographer, videographer - and even brand guardian.

We operate at a Fast and Furious pace, and in marketing, we’re right there alongside the action. To ensure the memory of completed works isn’t Gone in 60 Seconds, I’ll often head to sites with my camera in hand - capturing record-breaking quantities of recycled material being laid into road surfaces, or linking up with our Structures or Water & Drainage Management teams to uncover What Lies Beneath London’s streets.

With FM Conway responsible for looking after much of the capital’s infrastructure, there’s no shortage of behind-the-scenes access - one of the perks of the job. Take Tower Bridge, for example: our Structures team carries out its quarterly maintenance, as part of our term maintenance contract with the City of London Corporation, closing the iconic bridge overnight for essential works. As a marketing manager, getting to visit an empty, eerily quiet Tower Bridge, speak with the experts, and see the engineering in motion is something I never get tired of.

Say Yes, Then Figure It Out

Event production was something I had zero experience with before this role. But one of the best things about marketing in construction is that you always have to be willing to give things a go. Say yes now - figure out the “how” with your team. A solution found is often a new skill gained.

In our close-knit marketing group, we support each other, leaning on our collective expertise to help stakeholders communicate clearly and effectively. A contract director might have Total Recall of every project they’ve delivered over the last two decades, but they may not know how to package that message in a way that resonates.

From internal awards ceremonies to large-scale client events in the heart of the capital, we deliver it all - ensuring every touchpoint aligns with FM Conway’s brand and wider business goals.

Always a New Scene

After more than three years at FM Conway, I can honestly say every day still feels like a Training Day. Whether it’s learning new skills, tackling new challenges, or collaborating with teams across the business, the role keeps evolving - and so do I.

Marketing in construction might not come with red carpets or big premieres, but there’s drama, grit, and incredible stories everywhere you look. And for those willing to say “yes” and step onto the set, it’s one of the most rewarding shows you can be part of.