When Anna joined Vistry in October 2022, she had just completed an MSc in Real Estate and was initially exploring consultancy roles in London. But the Vistry Graduate Scheme offered something she couldn’t find elsewhere - the chance to rotate across the business and gain a true end to end understanding of the housebuilding industry. That breadth of exposure was exactly what she was looking for.
“I loved the idea of understanding how everything fits together. It felt like the perfect way to start my career.”
Across her two year rotation, Anna experienced the full spectrum of the development journey — from commercial and construction to sales and legal. But it was her time in Land & Planning that sparked something more.
She found herself drawn to the strategic, fast paced nature of land work: analysing opportunities, navigating planning considerations and building strong relationships with stakeholders. When the graduate scheme ended, she chose to pursue this path fulltime.
From the moment she joined the land team as an Assistant Land Buyer, Anna stepped straight into meaningful work. Her first land bid helped demonstrate not only her analytical skill but her ability to coordinate colleagues, pull information together efficiently and present with confidence.
The more opportunities she took on — conferences, networking events, industry panels - the more her confidence grew. As she began running her own bids and contributing to more complex projects, she built the foundations for the promotion that followed.
In January 2026, she stepped into the role of Land Manager, continuing to progress the schemes she had already begun and securing offers on a number of new sites across Greater Manchester and Cheshire East.
Skills, Development & Support
Vistry’s commitment to professional development has played a key role in Anna’s career so far. She highlights:
Public speaking: She received presentation and public speaking training during the graduate scheme.
HBF Conference: She attended the Home Builders Federation conference for two consecutive years.
UKREiiF: She was invited to join a panel at UKREiiF to discuss projects being delivered in the Manchester & Cheshire East region.
APC: She began working towards her APC to become a Chartered Surveyor, supported by Vistry through funded fees and additional training.
DevelopHer: She took part in Vistry’s annual DevelopHer days, designed to support women’s progression in a traditionally male dominated sector.
Housing Forum Futures Network: She participated in the yearlong programme, gaining a mentor, access to training, conferences and wider networking opportunities.
Vistry Mentor Programme: She benefited from mentoring by a former Land Director (now Managing Director), who provided guidance and acted as a sounding board for her projects.
These opportunities have helped her develop both technical capability and the confidence to lead projects independently.
Personal Reflections
Anna loves the variety and purpose of her role.
“No two days are the same. Working in Land means you’re right at the start of the development journey, and it’s rewarding to know your work helps bring forward the homes people need.”
She also enjoys the social and community aspects - whether it’s networking events, industry conferences, or team charity challenges like the Three Peaks Challenge for Alzheimer’s.
Her message to future graduates is simple:
“Say yes. Even when it feels daunting. Every opportunity teaches you something.”
Impact & Future Goals
Anna’s impact has already been recognised, with Vistry nominating her for the Woman of the Future award at the Women in Property Awards in 2024. The nomination reflects the meaningful contribution she makes through her work — from identifying land opportunities to helping shape new communities and supporting the UK’s need for more affordable homes. Her role requires a careful balance of commercial awareness, sustainability, collaboration and long term thinking, all of which underpin the developments she helps bring forward.
She works closely with landowners, consultants, solicitors and local authorities, ensuring that each site is viable, deliverable and aligned to community needs. It’s a role that blends strategy, communication and creativity — and one she finds both challenging and meaningful.
Looking ahead, Anna is focused on:
- Establishing herself further as a Land Manager
- Securing and progressing more sites across the region
- Continuing her APC journey to becoming a chartered surveyor
- Developing towards Senior Land Manager, with the long term ambition of becoming Land Director
“The career path is full of opportunity, and progression is absolutely achievable if you’re willing to work hard and prove yourself. The support is there — you just need to take the initiative.”
Josh joined the Vistry Graduate Programme in October 2024, he had just completed a degree in Architecture and Urban Planning, graduating with a 2:1. What initially attracted him to the programme was its rotational structure, which offered the chance to explore different areas of the business.
“I liked the idea of being a bit of a jack of all trades.”
Coming straight from university with little knowledge of how housebuilding works, he felt that hands‑on experience across every department would give him the best possible start.
“Even though the rotations felt short, my understanding of how the business functions has grown massively, and that’s vital for a career in land.”
Josh was also drawn to the scale of the business and the impact of Vistry’s partnerships model.
“The partnerships model really stood out to me. Working with partners to deliver affordable homes feels rewarding - it’s something to be proud of, especially when you know you’re helping tackle the homelessness crisis.”
Josh has been involved in a wide range of projects, from regenerating bungalows in Chesterfield to supporting large multi‑phase schemes in Tamworth. He believes this variety has strengthened his understanding of the different challenges that can arise on sites of all scales.
“By getting involved in so many different projects, you learn how each one brings its own problems, clients and scenarios.”
His most significant responsibilities came during his rotation in the Commercial team. When a Managing Quantity Surveyor went away for a month, Josh was asked to take ownership of variation orders and attend client meetings.
Shortly after, he stepped in again while another Quantity surveyor was on paternity leave, supporting valuations, pre‑start meetings and a CRM pack.
“It pushed me, but in the best way.”
Now in his final rotation, Josh is hoping to progress into an Assistant Land Manager role this April.
Skills, Development and Support
Josh highlights the personal development sessions delivered by our people development team as one of the most valuable elements of the programme.
“The training from them is second to none - you come away with tools you can apply at any stage of your career,” he says.
He has taken part in a wide range of sessions, including:
- Personal Power
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
- Effective Planning, Presentation Skills
- Managing Up
- Communicating with Impact
- Becoming More Assertive
- How to Relax
- Personal Resilience.
Alongside this internal support, he has also completed technical training such as NHBC masterclasses. He credits the culture at Vistry for enabling his growth:
“Anyone in the business is happy to help. People genuinely want the graduates to succeed.”
Personal Reflections
For Josh, the best thing about working at Vistry is the people.
“From MDs to fellow graduates, everyone is approachable and easy to talk to. There’s such a buzz in the office - it makes you look forward to coming to work.”
One of the biggest challenges he has overcome is relocating. “I moved from a university house of seven of my best mates to living alone in a place where I knew nobody,”
Adjusting to a new area and full‑time work simultaneously wasn’t easy, but Josh now sees it as a milestone of personal growth.
“It took a few months to settle, but now I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s made me feel like I could move anywhere.”
Josh’s advice to future graduates:
“Take every opportunity you’re given. Ask to attend meetings, ask for more work, ask for feedback. Communication is key — people won’t know what you’re interested in unless you speak up.”
Impact & Future Goals
Josh is now focused on continuing to broaden his understanding of land, partnerships and the wider housebuilding process. His long‑term goal is to be an Associate Land Director by the time he turns 30.
After graduating in August 2022, Robin spent two years working as a labourer for bricklayers, gaining practical hands‑on construction experience. Although he grew up in London and was keen to begin his career close to home, he initially struggled to find the right opportunity.
That changed when he spotted a Vistry graduate role based in Cornwall - a move that meant relocating and starting again somewhere completely new.
“I knew it was a big move, but the opportunity felt right. I took the leap and relocated, and it’s been the best decision for my career.”
What attracted Robin most to the Vistry graduate programme was the rotation structure, giving him exposure to several departments across the business. He began in Build before rotating through Technical, Commercial, Development, and Customer Service, eventually returning to Build, the area where he felt most at home.
“The rotations were invaluable. Each department gave me a different perspective, and it helped me figure out where I wanted to specialise.”
Across his placements and in his current role, Robin has contributed to a wide range of work, including:
- Supporting schemes at Linden 2D and Alphington
- Snagging plots and overseeing health and safety
- Working closely with the clerk of works appointed by the housing association
- Producing programmes and schedules of work
- Leading subcontractor and housing association meetings
- Managing de‑snagging and handover processes
- Achieving CMLs for completed homes
- Supporting the Customer Care team
“I like being hands‑on. Snagging, problem solving, running meetings - it all gives you real responsibility early on.”
A Major Milestone
In January, Robin reached a significant milestone when he was promoted from Graduate to Assistant Site Manager.
“That promotion meant a lot to me. It showed that the hard work and the long days were paying off.”
Skills & Development
As part of his development, Robin completed the Communicating with Impact course, which strengthened his confidence and presence on site.
“It really helped me improve how I present myself, especially when speaking up in meetings or leading discussions.”
He also credits his manager, Ashley East, as a major influence in his growth.
“Ashley has been incredible. He’s spent late nights and weekends helping me grow. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.”
Like many graduates, Robin faced early challenges - but working through them built his confidence and shaped his approach to the role.
Personal Insights
For Robin, the people at Vistry have made a real difference.
“The team culture is brilliant. Everyone supports each other. You never feel like you’re on your own.”
Advice for Future Graduates
Robin keeps his advice simple:
“Give everything your full effort — and ask questions. Even the small ones. That’s how you grow.”
Impact & Future Goals
Robin has ambitious but clear goals for the future:
- Within 2 years: Become a Site Manager
- Within 5 years: Progress to Senior Site Manager
- Long term:
“Honestly, there are no limits. I just want to keep pushing myself and see how far I can go.”
