A Day in the Life of a Property Development Manager: From Fixed Term to Full-Time
Introduction
The life of a property Development Manager is both challenging and fulfilling. These professionals are at the heart of developments, overseeing every stage from concept to completion.
Their role involves leading and motivating teams, coordinating with a wide range of stakeholders, and ensuring that resources are managed efficiently. It also demands strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate risks with confidence and professionalism.
We’re proud to share that our very own Vanesa Ciobanu has taken the initiative to document her day-to-day experiences of being a Development Manager at The Verdean.
She offers an in-depth look into the realities of the role, the challenges she faces, and the practical solutions she applies. Her insights culminate in valuable advice for aspiring property Development Managers looking to make their mark in the property management industry.
Daily Routine and Responsibilities
A typical day for Vanesa begins with plenty of interaction. She keeps Monday mornings free to walk around the estate, taking time to greet everyone she meets. Whether it is caretakers, engineers, contractors, or residents, she makes a genuine effort to connect with each person.
“It’s a great way to stay connected, build relationships, and get a feel for how things are running on the ground.”
Throughout the week, Vanesa’s priorities shift between meetings, cross-department collaboration, and hands-on coordination. She works closely with service providers, team members, and external contractors, while also addressing resident concerns and staying on top of project planning. Each day brings a different focus, but her commitment to keeping everything running smoothly remains constant.
Due to the nature of being a Development Manager, her priorities and tasks can shift, and no two days are the same!
To stay on top of her dynamic workload, Vanesa uses POD Planner every day to see what tasks need to be carried out and when, helping her streamline her work for up to 30 days in advance. This structured approach not only makes planning more efficient but also enables her to exceed her KPIs. The ability to add comments, such as when work will be completed or what certificates are required, adds another layer of control to her planning process.
At POD, we know that delivering great service in a fast-paced environment takes more than just hard work. That is why we provide our teams with the tools, training and support they need to manage busy schedules, collaborate effectively, and build strong relationships. From coordinating with contractors to engaging with residents, we help our people feel confident in creating positive, consistent experiences every day.
Supporting Residents
Maintaining high resident satisfaction is key to the success of any development. When residents are happy, they’re more likely to stay longer, take care of the property, and speak positively about the community. It also helps reduce complaints and builds a stronger relationship between management and residents.
One key initiative Vanesa led was strengthening communication with residents. Whether it is planned maintenance, unexpected issues or general updates, the team at The Verdean sends real-time broadcast messages to keep everyone informed. This approach has been well received, with residents appreciating the transparency. It has helped reduce confusion, ease frustration and build trust between the management team and the community.
Vanesa highlights that the POD systems used are highly efficient and they make communication much easier. For example, she can send broadcasts directly from her phone, which is especially convenient when the team is on patrol or when she’s away from her computer. This flexibility ensures that residents stay well-informed at all times, reinforcing a sense of reliability and attentiveness from the management team.
Supporting Career Development
Career progression is an important factor for many people when choosing a job. At POD, we recognise this and support it by offering flexibility that suits individual circumstances, helping our employees grow in a way that works best for them.
We asked Vanessa a few questions to hear about her journey which started as a fixed-term maternity contract.
Can you tell us about your journey starting on a fixed-term maternity contract? What was that experience like for you?
“It was an amazing experience. Even though I started on a fixed-term maternity contract, I immediately felt like a valued part of the POD team. From the very beginning, I was welcomed and supported in a way that made it feel as though I had been with the company much longer. The experience gave me a strong sense of belonging and allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. I had the opportunity to take ownership of my role early on, and that trust and inclusion really motivated me to give my best.”
What factors contributed to your transition from a fixed-term contract to a full-time role? How did you navigate that change?
“I would say it was a very natural transition. From the beginning, I was given the opportunity to take ownership of my role and contribute meaningfully, which helped build trust with the team. Everyone was incredibly supportive throughout the process, and I felt encouraged to grow and take on more responsibilities. That support, along with my commitment to the role, made the shift from a fixed-term contract to a full-time position smooth and rewarding and I hope I will be part of the POD family for a very long time" as they keep to their values, and this is something that you don't find everywhere “
Has POD assisted you in achieving your goals? If so, how?
“Yes - POD has absolutely helped me achieve many of my goals! The team has continuously supported my development, whether through hands-on experience, opportunities to take on new challenges, or simply by trusting me to take initiative. I’ve been encouraged to grow professionally and have gained confidence in areas like project management, communication, and leadership. It’s been a very rewarding journey, and I feel that POD genuinely invests in its people.”
Heart and Humour On-site
Being a property development manager involves more than just overseeing developments. It’s about balancing priorities, solving problems on the go, and staying connected with both the team and the community. In this section, we take a look behind the scenes at the lighter, more rewarding, and unexpectedly touching moments that come with being a Development Manager.
What do you find most rewarding about your role as a Development Manager?
“What I find most rewarding about my role as a Development Manager is making both the team, and the residents feel supported and satisfied. Knowing that they trust me to deliver and that they can rely on me gives me a strong sense of purpose. I also take pride in maintaining an open-door policy—being approachable and available to listen, help, or resolve issues is something I value deeply. Building those relationships and fostering a positive environment is incredibly fulfilling.”
Any favourite aspects of the job, or funny moments?
“One of my favourite aspects of the job is being involved in PPMs (Planned Preventative Maintenance). As someone who is naturally curious about how things work and why they work the way they do, I find this part of the role especially rewarding. I get to learn so much about the inner workings of the building—how everything functions behind the scenes—which I find both fascinating and valuable.
There are always funny moments as well—no matter how busy or pressured the day might be, I try to bring a bit of humour to keep things light.
One moment that still makes me laugh happened while I was checking fire doors with my client. I was writing down the type of door, and instead of hearing “double doors,” I thought they said “Dumbledore.” I couldn’t help but laugh, and luckily, my client found it just as funny. It turned a routine task into a memorable moment and reminded me how humour can make even the most ordinary parts of the job enjoyable.”
Making a Difference One Resident at a Time!
Vanesa’s impact goes beyond efficient management. One resident, in particular now affectionately calls her “my dear” and “dearest” because of the countless times she’s stepped in to help.
Whether it’s resolving an urgent issue, offering reassurance, or simply being a consistent and approachable presence, Vanesa has become someone they trust and rely on. These small but meaningful interactions show the strong relationships she has built, offering clear proof that compassion and responsiveness can elevate everyday service into lasting appreciation.
These light-hearted moments are a reminder that while the role comes with its challenges, it also brings plenty of laughs and rewarding experiences that make each day unique and worthwhile.
Want to Become a Development Manager?
Vanesa’s experience offers a valuable look into what the role truly involves. For those looking to follow a similar path, she also shares some thoughtful advice for future Development Managers, including the following:
Stay curious. Curiosity is the key to understanding how things work, identifying improvements and growing in the role.
Never be afraid to ask questions. No matter how big or small you perceive a question to be, you show initiative and willingness to learn. Both are essential qualities required for this position, as well as your own personal growth.
Embrace challenges. Every one is an opportunity to gain knowledge as well as gain confidence.
If you're inspired by the journey of a property Development Manager and ready to take the next step, we’re hiring. Explore current opportunities and see where your career could grow here.
Conclusion
Life as a Development Manager is a dynamic and evolving journey. In the complex world of property management, it takes dedicated, thoughtful, and detail-oriented professionals like Vanesa to ensure that homes are well cared for and communities truly flourish.
Curious to See What Great Property Management Looks Like?
If you’re looking for an expert UK property management company to assist in the smooth running of your property development, our team are on hand to help you today.
● Fill out our business enquiry form
● Email us at relationships@podmanagement.co.uk
● Call us on 0333 577 6656
If you are interested in joining our team, please visit our careers page here.
We look forward to hearing from you!