Our latest Women in Construction Series spotlight is on Sonia Pandey, Assistant Manager - Procurement in our India team.

Sonia has been with us since 2024. Her responsibilities include alignment of procurement and sub-contractors with project timelines, budgets, and requirements. She ensures timely material and service delivery and prioritizes procurement with cross-functional teams. She also manages RFPs, tracks expenditure, and implements sustainable and ethical procurement practices.

What inspired you to join the industry?

Watching a project evolve from concept into a physical structure or system is incredibly fulfilling. It is truly rewarding to see engineering creativity turn into real-world results with lasting benefits.

Describe your experience at Leighton Asia.

‘Challenging’, ‘Fulfilling’ and ‘Innovative’. Leighton Asia gives me the chance to be a part of large and impactful projects that require close collaboration with my team. I get exposure to various stages of construction and project management, from planning and procurement to execution and completion.

Working in such a fast-paced environment teaches me to think critically, manage my time efficiently, and stay focused on solutions even under pressure.

What makes Leighton Asia different?

Leighton Asia has proven its ability to deliver large-scale and complex projects with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and safety.

What do you think about gender equality/diversity in the construction industry in India?

The industry is transforming towards more inclusive practices aimed at providing equal opportunities for all individuals.

Progress has been made, with companies prioritizing diverse recruitment, promoting women to leadership roles, and fostering inclusive environments for everyone.

What else do you think can be done to further drive equality and diversity in the construction industry in India?

Mentoring and networking programs, bias training and awareness, flexible work arrangements, diversity in recruitment, support for education and skill development all help to foster an inclusive culture.

Fostering DEI is not just about ticking boxes but creating an environment where everyone feels supported and has equal opportunities to thrive.