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 endtoend 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 twoyear 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, fastpaced 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 publicspeaking 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 maledominated 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 longterm 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 longterm 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.”
