Spotlight: Victoria - Keepmoat
We wanted to shine a light on the inspiring female professionals who play an integral role in Construction during the 25th Anniversary of Women In Construction Week. Through interviews, we asked key questions about their accomplishments and what lies ahead for women in the industry, showcasing just how much is possible within this space!
Recently, we had the pleasure of aiding Victoria Lane with her job search and successfully finding a great fit for her. She is now enjoying employment at Keepmoat working as a Land & Planning Manager. We asked Victoria:
Tell us a little about your history in the Construction industry?
“I’ve been in planning for 17 years. I initially started out in Local Government and then moved into the private sector. I now work client side with Keepmoat Homes South Midlands and love the variety that my job provides. I have autonomy to run projects and work with a great team of people, both internally and externally.”
What has been your most rewarding experience since joining the Construction industry?
“Definitely the most rewarding is seeing a scheme that you have been working on for a long time come to fruition. It’s great to see it being constructed and then the final product and how you have shaped a community for the future.”
Tell us how you started your career in Construction and what attracted you to join the industry?
“I actually fell into my career. I was originally going to study geography at University and had a conversation with my best friends mum about careers and we ended up talking about town planning. I then decided to do my Undergraduate Degree at University of Sheffield in Urban Studies and Planning and I haven’t looked back. I started out in Local Government, then moved into private practice where I’ve spent the majority of my career, however I now have the pleasure of working client side and I am relishing the challenges every day brings.”
What do you think are some of the advantages of being a woman in the construction industry?
“Definitely in terms of diversity, it’s great being a woman in the construction industry. As it’s a heavily male dominated industry, being a woman means that you are occasionally not taken seriously. It’s all about changing perceptions and especially being a planner it’s not as disadvantaged as some other areas such as Technical or Engineering.”
What do you find are the biggest challenges working within the construction industry?
“For me, it’s definitely a case of your heart being in the job 100%. I have always said that with my profession, I have such a huge potential impact on communities lives and futures that if my heart isn’t in the project or the industry 100% then it isn’t a job I should be doing. This is vital – you need to love what you do which will come out in the end product.”
What advice would you give other women who are considering entering the industry?
“Do it! You will achieve so much satisfaction in seeing things through from a cradle to grave perspective. Getting the initial appraisals and planning permission where I tend to be more involved, to then seeing schemes being fully constructed and occupied offers me the most satisfaction.”
What is next for you in your career?
“For me, it’s to continue working client side and delivering amazing schemes across the region for future communities.”
Victoria is a Chartered Town Planner with 17 years experience in the industry. She has worked for local government, private planning consultancies, financial tech firms and client side in housebuilding. She is also the Vice Chair of the West Midlands Royal Town Planning Institute and regularly is involved in career events to promote the industry across the region. Outside of the profession, she has a passion for dancing, particularly salsa and you can regularly find her out and about strutting her stuff on the dancefloor.
