NAME: Jo Hanslip
COMPANY/REGION: Southern Region
JOB TITLE: Regional Planning Director
DEPARTMENT: Land/Planning
WHAT DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT DO?
management and promotion of existing strategic land interests through all levels of the planning system
identification and acquisition of new strategic land opportunities
Providing planning advise on immediate land deals
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
Attend meetings land owners, agents, in respect of existing land interests and potential identification of new opportunities
Make, pursue and negotiate contracts relating new land acquisitions
View sites
Provide planning advice to immediate land buying colleagues on sites within three operating companies
Manage co-ordinate and oversee external project teams responsible for promoting strategic interests
Networking - establish and developing contact base on formal and social basis
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
Variety of people come across
Job very varied - role functions balance of time in and outside of the office
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?
Planning professional by trade but found balance of commercial and technical planning responsibilities more suited to personality over pure planning.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DID YOU NEED TO GET THIS JOB?
BA (Hons), BPL, MRTPI as professional qualifications.
IS THERE ANY PARTICULAR ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE A GRADUATE OR TRAINEE LOOKING FOR A JOB IN YOUR WORK AREA?
Be prepared and open to encounter people from all walks of life.
Strategic land is challenging and rewarding area of work to get into. Role balanced commercial, legal and planning issues which require individuals to be focused persistent and tenacious.
If you work hard and have fun you can develop and enjoyable and successful working life.