Meet Max, Construction Director at Devonshire Homes
3 June 2024Devonshire Homes is delighted to welcome award-winning Construction Director Max Pitcher to the team.
As a local independent house builder which is expanding rapidly, it’s important that Devonshire Homes has the very best construction team in place to bring forward high-quality new build homes to local people who really need them. With a wealth of experience and a strong background in the construction industry since he left school at 16, Max is looking forward to leading the construction team to ensure Devonshire Homes’ continued growth.
We caught up with Max to find out more about his career background and why he has decided to join the Devonshire Homes team:
Hi Max! Tell us about your background in the housing and construction industry…
Born in the West Country, I left school when I was 16 to become a bricklayer and have been in the construction industry ever since. I was an Assistant Site Manager by the time I was 28 and went on to become a Site Manager at 29. Having previously worked at other well-known new home developers, I am proud to have won several awards during my career and have completed a NEBOSH diploma in Health and Safety in construction which is equivalent to a degree.
I feel privileged to join the Devonshire Homes team and look forward to heading up an experienced and knowledgeable construction team.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in the industry?
Put simply, I love building properties that will leave a legacy. In the future, I can revisit homes that I have led on and feel immensely proud and satisfied that I was an instrumental part in building these landscapes and new communities.
The industry offers a tremendous amount of creativity. Standing in an empty field or disused brownfield site and visualising how it will become a vibrant community is unlike anything else. No other industry can offer you that level of creativity.
A career in construction has always suited me as it plays to my strengths which include problem solving, organisation and planning, and there’s so many opportunities. You naturally step into new roles and can progress to develop your career. It’s why I have never left.
Describe your job role and your main responsibilities at Devonshire Homes…
My job is extremely varied but, in a nutshell, I oversee the construction team including all staff and external contractors. I have an overall responsibility for Health and Safety and wellbeing of not just Devonshire Homes employees, but also external contractors, potential homebuyers when they visit our developments and homeowners who are already living on site. It’s a big remit!
On the production side, I have an overall responsibility for ensuring that standards are met and exceeded, not just during the build process but also in the quality of the end product. I am also involved in customer services and aftercare. Customer care begins at land purchase and follows through to the last completion and beyond. Delivering a quality home and good after sales service for our customers is of vital importance to me.
What is a typical day like as Construction Director?
Every day is different, but a typical day starts early with a catch up call with the contracts managers. I like to be out on site visits talking to the site managers and operatives whenever I can, and these can be anywhere in the region. I’m involved in project meetings with the delivery team to discuss site progress and plan the next phases of a development. Always looking 12 to 18 months ahead, I write construction appraisals and for potential new developments and work with closely with Construction Managers to develop and deliver programmes and execution strategies for developments and monitor progress against these. The management of health and safety on site and internally through our processes is ever present every day.
What stands out for you about Devonshire Homes as an employer?
Devonshire Homes is a privately-owned, independent house builder which really knows its ‘turf’ as it has operated in the South West since its inception. The satisfaction rate we have achieved from customers solidifies our reputation for building high-quality new homes.
I appreciate how all staff feel that they have a voice within the company and a valid role. Devonshire Homes is also ambitious. The expansion and growth plans aren’t just words, they’re being delivered. We’re well-respected in the industry and it’s a really exciting time for the company.
What benefits do you think you bring to the role and to Devonshire Homes?
I’m a competitive sportsman so I naturally have a drive to do a job to the best of my ability and never give up when presented with a challenge. With a passion for construction, I have a will to succeed with strong leadership skills. I can plan ahead and foresee problems so that I can promptly come up with solutions, and I have strong connections with the main contractors across the South West.
I’ve invested a lot of time into health and safety training outside of working hours, including undertaking and gaining a NEBOSH diploma. Being Construction Director for Devonshire Homes is a privilege that needs to be earned. I’m committed to my team and the values of the business and hold myself to account for this daily.
Finally, do you have any aims or goals that you would like to achieve as Construction Director?
Absolutely! I have several goals that I would like to achieve which include expanding and leading one of the best construction teams in the South West which will go from strength-to-strength, building quality homes and vibrant communities that will create a lasting legacy in the region and helping Devonshire Homes become a house builder of choice for new staff, contractors and customers.