An advocate for the benefits of on-the-job learning, Katy Jordan, Managing Director of Enterprise Residential Development Ltd shares her career journey and advice she’s learnt along the way.
Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about your role?
I am the managing director of a small privately-owned housebuilding company. The company is based just outside of Cambridge, and we build beautiful homes in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
I am responsible for the day to day running of the business and its strategic direction which ultimately means I am responsible for delivering profit and return to investors/shareholders.
I have only been in post for four months, so I have not yet had what I would call an “average week” … I am on quite a steep learning curve!
My remit is very wide, from supporting and motivating the loyal team who work for the business, to setting out our aspirations for growth and communicating that to employees, shareholders and new investors. As part of the role, I meet land owners and stakeholders, attend project team meetings, review internal processes and procedures, and help develop house types and specifications to ensure we meet customer expectations.
As I am responsible for the performance of all business functions, my job is extremely varied which what makes it interesting and enjoyable.
How did you end up working in home building?
I studied for a BSc degree in Quantity Surveying and got a job as a graduate estimator working for Countryside Properties. I spent the first half of my career at Countryside working in several different roles including as development surveying director at regional board level.
I left Countryside in 2005 and I have spent the rest of my career working in senior roles for SME housebuilders.
How did the choices you made then influence your career now?
I always knew I wanted to be a quantity surveyor, but never envisaged I would work in housebuilding. I graduated during the recession in the early 1990s and I was lucky enough to get offered a job with Countryside Properties. I didn’t think for a moment that I would still be working in housebuilding 30 years later!
What qualifications have you completed during your career?
I haven’t studied for any formal qualifications since graduating. Whilst I have applied my quantity surveying degree to the jobs I have done in housebuilding, nothing beats on-the-job training and experience. I think the construction industry is fantastic in that respect – it is open to everyone.
What has been your career highlight?
There have been many - from being made a director at Countryside, to getting my first managing directorship at Storey Homes, and of course, my latest role as managing director at Enterprise Residential Development Ltd. It’s great when your experience and expertise are recognised and respected.
What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned along the way?
Check, check and check again. That advice was given to me by my first boss at Countryside - it was relevant then and it is still relevant now.
What progress have you seen on gender equality in the home building industry?
There are more women in construction. Graduate schemes play a vital role in attracting talent into the industry and the majors and larger housebuilders have great graduate programmes. SMEs also play a vital role for women in the industry, as smaller firms can offer an alternative culture to large firms.
What steps could industry take to encourage more women to the industry – and why do you feel it’s important?
It’s simple … more women equals more talent. Offering training to women who may have taken a career break is so important in encouraging women back into industry.
What one piece of advice would you give to women considering or starting out in a career in homebuilding today?
There are a wide variety of roles across the industry – just try it, you’ll find your niche and have a great career.