Adam Lelliot, Goldcrest Homes

Adam Leillot studied land management at the University of Reading and now works as a land developer at Goldcrest Homes.

How did you decide which property developer employers to apply to?

I became interested in property development during my degree and started looking for jobs while at university. I researched various companies through the trade press and applied to firms where I knew there would be opportunities to work with senior colleagues and influence decision making.

What does your graduate job involve?

I work in the UK auction team, with the CEO, where I am responsible for acquiring land for development. Prior to acquisition, I conduct due diligence to evaluate various aspects of the site’s potential and where appropriate prepare a detailed and accurate development appraisal. I issue the architect’s brief and prepare instruction letters to town planning consultants and solicitors. Post acquisition, I work with the CEO to manage the planning programme and achieve outstanding planning consent.

What do you like best about working as a land developer?

The challenges and the variety of tasks make this sector very exciting. You see a development right through from conception to completion. This kind of working cultivates an entrepreneurial attitude and there is a lot of personal responsibility.

Although I work alongside the CEO on some projects I am also able to take individual responsibility on others. One of our more recent projects was our first land acquisition in the north west. This development will provide approximately 250 apartments plus commercial floor space. I enjoyed taking the lead on this and it was a real highlight to have been involved in our first acquisition outside London.