Mara Horn didn’t grow up working in construction, but she knew she belonged in it.
At 20 years old, she walked onto a job site and asked for work—no experience, no connections, just determination. From that moment, she carved out a career that took her from a general laborer to a construction manager overseeing multi-million-dollar projects across the United States.
Horn’s fascination with the industry began in childhood. Her grandparents owned a construction business in Florida, and though she never worked in the family company, the trade always intrigued her. Once she got her first job, she wasted no time learning the ins and outs of the industry.
Driven by a passion for mastering every aspect of the job, she spent the first 16 years of her career learning multiple trades—electrical work, millwrighting and full-scale construction from the ground up. She worked in civil construction, laying brick and block for everything from single-family homes to apartment buildings.
A little more than two years ago, she set her sights on a new challenge: a construction supervisor role at Cargill. It took three attempts before she finally landed the job.
“Every time it popped back, I applied again and again,”she said. “When I didn’t get the position the last time, I wrote the hiring manager explaining why I should get it. I’m not a great interviewer, and I get nervous speaking in front of people. I thought this was my best shot, and it worked.”
Since joining Cargill, Horn has steadily risen through the ranks and now serves as a construction manager. In this role, she oversees major construction projects, coordinating everything from site logistics and safety protocols to permitting and contractor management. She uses Bluebeam daily to review and mark up construction drawings, create site logistics maps and streamline project coordination.
“I supervise the overall build project execution phases by following established project controls and timetables to deliver build projects that meet all safety, quality and regulatory goals,”she said.
Inside a Day in Construction Management
Horn’s work takes her across the country, overseeing large-scale industrial projects. She is often the only woman on-site, leading crews on complex, high-budget builds. Currently, she is managing a $25 million project to erect three tanks in Ohio. Prior, she worked on a $115 million expansion at a salt facility in Michigan.
Her days start early.
“If a shift starts at 6, I’m there making sure we have a scope of work for the day and address any safety concerns the guys in the field might have,”she said. “We go through the permitting process and another safety protocol where we ask the crews to list their safety hazards for the day, and they all have to sign off on safety protocols.”
Essential Skills for Construction Managers
Successful construction managers wear many hats, balancing technical expertise, leadership and problem-solving to keep projects on track. Here are some of the most critical skills needed to excel in this demanding role:
1. Project Coordination & Scheduling
Managing timelines, budgets and resources is essential to delivering projects on time and within scope. A great construction manager ensures seamless coordination between contractors, suppliers and stakeholders.
2. Safety & Compliance Oversight
Safety is a top priority on every job site. Understanding OSHA regulations, enforcing safety protocols and proactively identifying hazards help keep workers safe and projects compliant.
3. Leadership & Team Management
A strong construction manager inspires and motivates their team, balancing authority with approachability. Effective leadership means resolving conflicts, fostering teamwork and ensuring everyone is aligned on project goals.
4. Adaptability & Problem-Solving
No two days on a construction site are the same. The ability to think on your feet, troubleshoot issues and adapt to unexpected challenges is crucial for keeping projects moving forward.
5. Communication & Collaboration
Clear communication with contractors, engineers and clients is vital. A construction manager must be able to translate complex technical details into actionable steps for the entire team.
6. Digital Proficiency & Technology Use
Construction management increasingly relies on digital tools like Bluebeam for plan reviews, document collaboration and logistics mapping. Staying ahead with technology helps improve efficiency and decision-making.
7. Financial & Budget Management
Understanding cost estimates, negotiating contracts and monitoring project expenses ensure that a construction manager can control costs while maintaining quality standards.
By mastering these skills, construction managers like Mara Horn can lead with confidence, overcome challenges and drive success in the industry.
By 7 a.m., she meets with the plant operations group to align on the day’s objectives and ensure seamless communication between leadership and contractors. Once a week, she holds contractor meetings to review project phases and scheduling updates.
“We schedule meetings with contractors where they deliver updates on where they’re at in the phase and schedule,”she said.
How a Construction Manager Balances Work and Family Life
Horn’s role requires full-time travel. Depending on the project, she could be working first, second or third shifts, sometimes staying in one place for months or even years. While Pennsylvania is home, she rarely spends time there, instead living in apartments near her project sites.
“Cargill is amazing with the family dynamic and allowing you to bring your family out to live with you,”she said.”We also have a great construction team that will swing in and let us take off a weekend. We do have future projects scheduled, but they try to keep us on the same project from start to finish.”
Her two sons, now 18 and 15, have lived with her on the road at times. Balancing family life with a demanding career hasn’t always been easy, but she’s proud of the example she’s setting—especially for young women.
“I was a teen mom when my oldest was born,”she said.”98% of teen moms in their 30s have minimum-wage jobs, and only 6% become highly successful. I never went to college and broke that probability. I am a voice for women like me that they can go for it.”
She makes a point to share her experience with others. Wherever she goes, dressed in her work gear, she strikes up conversations with women who might be interested in the trades.
“I usually get at least a couple of women interested in learning more about construction,”she said.
Horn’s Leadership Style: Building Confidence and Breaking Barriers
Horn has spent years refining her leadership approach, particularly in an industry where women are underrepresented in management roles. She credits Cargill’s Women’s Leadership Bridge Group with helping her grow in confidence and develop her unique leadership philosophy.
“I can’t thank these women enough, and how encouraging they are,”she said.”It’s a women’s leadership network and every type of stereotype, and I can’t complain—they have forever changed my outlook on life.”
Through her time at Cargill, Horn has embraced a leadership style she describes as heliotropic—a term that refers to gravitating toward positivity and light.
“I can be a hard ass. I’m a redhead, so that side can come out of me, but I’ve come to find that being positive goes a long way with the crews on site, especially being a female,”she said. “I might lead a team, but they don’t realize they’re leading me too. They’re inspiring me and teaching me every single day.”
