In the first article in our series exploring the sectors construction professionals work in, Legendre UK’s commercial director Bhekimpi Ncube explains what it takes to succeed in housing
Tell us about your role and the type of housing projects Legendre UK is involved with
As commercial director at Legendre UK, my role spans across housing. In terms of the type of housing we’re involved with, it’s a real mix. I’ve worked across large private residential schemes for housing associations and private developers, and that usually means multiple tenures living side by side – private sale, shared ownership, first-time buyer initiatives, build-to-rent, and affordable or social rent.
What I like about that variety is it forces you to think differently project to project, because the funding model, the client’s priorities and the end users’ needs all influence how the projects are delivered commercially.
As a business, it’s a really exciting time for us. We’ve been delivering projects in the UK for around a decade, and launching our property development arm in 2023 has been a big step forward. It’s allowed us to build on what we’ve already established and take a more direct role in shaping schemes from end to end.
Off the back of roughly 10 projects, we’ve also been growing our footprint internationally, from expanding into Jersey in 2017 with a 280-apartment scheme on the St Helier waterfront, to moves into Lisbon and Porto in 2019, and then opening our Geneva office in 2022, so there’s a real sense of momentum.
How does working in housing differ from other construction sectors you’ve worked in or considered?
Housing projects carry a particular emotional weight. Unlike some other sectors, the final product directly affects people’s day-to-day lives – it’s their home or sanctuary, often for many years. That means success isn’t measured purely in terms of programme, cost or functionality.
Aesthetics, community impact and client expectations all play a significant role, and there’s a greater responsibility to get those details right. You’re not just delivering a building – you’re helping to create places where people grow and feel secure.
What technical skills are most important for construction professionals working in housing?
A strong grounding in traditional construction and commercial skills remain essential, but the sector is evolving quickly. Today’s housing professionals also need to understand and engage with emerging digital tools, including AI, real-time analysis for data collection and comparisons, as well as new methods of construction, such as modular and off-site manufacturing.
The key is being able to blend proven technical knowledge with innovation. This requires an understanding of when new approaches add value, and how to implement them responsibly within live projects.
What ‘soft’ skills are critical for your role?
Teamwork is fundamental in construction. It’s a genuinely collaborative industry and projects run far more smoothly when commercial, estimating, design and production teams are aligned on values and working with the same mindset.
Communication is equally vital, especially as we continue to strengthen our co-investment strategy, working alongside key trusted partners, such as Pocket Living. In that model, success depends on clear, consistent communication across multiple organisations as well as internal teams.
We’re communicating constantly, between disciplines, seniority levels and formats, so being able to adapt your style, align expectations early, and keep everyone moving in the same direction is essential, particularly when market conditions are challenging and delivery needs to stay on track.
Finally, problem-solving sits at the heart of everything we do. Every project, whether housing, schools or infrastructure, exists to solve a problem. The ability to remain calm, adaptable and solutions-focused makes a real difference in delivering successful outcomes.
What does typical career progression look like for construction professionals in the housing sector?
There’s no single route into housing and that’s one of the sector’s strengths. People arrive through apprenticeships, graduate schemes, conversion degrees or career changes from other industries.
Personally, I’m a strong advocate of the apprenticeship route. Learning while earning, combining formal study with hands-on experience – [that all] builds confidence and practical understanding early on. I’ve seen first-hand how valuable it is for apprentices to move between office work, on-site activity and coursework and how quickly they grow in that environment.
Supporting young people at the start of their careers is a priority for us, and we’re committed to giving them the guidance, opportunities and experience they need to succeed.
That said, it isn’t for everyone. The demands of balancing work, study and personal life can be intense, so it’s important people choose the path that suits them best.
How do salary expectations in housing compare with other construction sectors?
At a broad level, salaries in the housing sector are comparable with the wider construction industry. Differences tend to emerge when you look more closely at specific job titles, responsibilities and levels of experience rather than the sector itself.
What do construction employers in the housing sector value most when hiring?
While technical competence is essential, employers place increasing value on soft skills. Problem-solving ability, adaptability, communication and teamwork are all critical – particularly in housing, where projects are complex, stakeholder-driven and people-focused.
Those who can combine technical knowledge with emotional intelligence and collaboration tend to add the greatest value to their teams and projects.
Are you looking for top construction talent? Want to get ahead of the competition? Contact Sophie Holland at CIOB Jobs.
