Frances Palmer is an Associate Director at Gleeds, specialising in project management within the infrastructure and data centre sectors. Since 2026, she has been based in Madrid where she is leading on the delivery of a complex portfolio of data centre projects, working closely with the client on site to drive performance and successful outcomes.
Drawn to Gleeds by the global nature of our business, Frances has built a diverse international career. Prior to Madrid, she spent four years in Peru where she worked in contract management and knowledge transfer roles, helping to build institutional capacity within the Peruvian state.
Frances is passionate about championing greater diversity in the construction industry. She has contributed to a number of professional forums focused on increasing inclusion and is the founder of International Women in Construction, an initiative aimed at supporting, mentoring, and advocating for women in the industry.
Frances' proudest achievement at Gleeds is relocating to Peru and spearheading a project that delivers significant social value to the country. This experience has pushed her out of her comfort zone and allowed her to make a meaningful impact.
Outside of work, she enjoys adventures with her family, exercising, and has developed a newfound appreciation for relaxing with a good book and family movie time. Reflecting on an alternative career, Frances believes she might have been a teacher, given her interest in developing others.
Frances’ advice to newcomers is to the point and impactful, reflecting her own professional style:
Be strong, get out there and be positive.
