Eleanor Ogilvie has been promoted to head of land and partnerships at MCI Developments after spending only three years with the company
Eleanor Ogilvie, from Stockport, only joined the company in 2019 as a land and partnerships manager, but within three years she has climbed the ranks to head of department at just 27 years old.
Eleanor Ogilvie’s promotion to head of land and partnerships reflects her ambition to identify additional development opportunities. During her time at MCI Developments, Ogilvie has purchased and facilitated land opportunities which has resulted in the delivery of over 650 much-needed affordable housing across the North West.
Eleanor Ogilvie will lead the department to deliver residential development sites
It was back in 2015 that Ogilvie’s career in construction first began. Since then, she has gained significant experience and as a result her progression has come quickly. Now as head of land and partnerships, Ogilvie will be responsible for leading the department to acquire and deliver residential development sites, with an aim of 500 homes per year in the region.
In what is often stereotyped as an all-male industry, Eleanor’s promotion marks a progressive step forward for the industry. Slowly, the construction sector is evolving and becoming more diverse, particularly in managerial roles.
Delivering affordable housing in the North West
Eleanor commented: “I’m immensely proud to be leading the land and partnerships team here at MCI Developments. I’m looking forward to strengthening the Land Team and continuing the success of delivering much-needed affordable housing across the North West of England.
“I decided I wanted to pursue a career within the construction industry whilst I was at university. I thoroughly enjoyed the regeneration modules, and it sparked an interest in me to learn more about the property and construction industry.”
“For me, being knowledgeable in the industry and being able adapt to new challenges has helped progress my career quickly.”
Eleanor has been chair of Women in Property for 2021/22
Eleanor Ogilvie has been a member of Women in Property for five years, and chair for the organisation in the North West for 2021/2022. The overall aim of the organisation is to make the industry more accessible for women.
Central to this goal is creating opportunities, expanding knowledge, and advocating for change among women working in the property and construction industry. During Eleanor’s tenure as chair, membership grew by 60%.
Eleanor said: “It has been an honour to lead the committee and drive for a better industry. I started my tenure as chair very much still in lockdown and had to adapt to the circumstances to ensure our members were connected through virtual events. Over the past year the organisation has gone from strength to strength and that’s all down to the hard work and input from our members, committee and sponsors. It has been both highly rewarding and a privilege to be able to support women at all stages of their construction careers.
‘My advice to women… be yourself and take up every opportunity’
“My advice to women who are interested in starting their career within the industry would be to be yourself and take up every opportunity as and when they arrive, you never know where it may take you. I’m an advocate that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.”
Regional managing director at MCI Developments Alex Wood added: “It’s great to see Eleanor take on the position as Head of Land & Partnerships here at MCI Developments. Her achievement is testament to the crucial work she plays within the construction industry and marks an exciting new chapter for the company.
“Eleanor is a true inspiration to other women, and her achievement clearly demonstrates the important role women play in the construction sector. We’re confident that with Eleanor’s proven track record of success, she will play a significant role in our continued growth plans by identifying key areas to build new beginnings and flourishing communities here in the North West.”
