Joining Savills from Allen & Harris in March 2018, Sasha joined the Summertown office and in the process a leading property firm with over 100 offices throughout the United Kingdom, and over 600 offices and associates throughout Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. We sat down with Sasha to discuss his career to date and his early experience with Savills.

Q: Sasha, tell me about your early career experiences to date.

A: Upon completing my GCSE’s I progressed into further education securing a triple Distinction in Sport Development & Fitness. Like many in my position at the time I started working in a local pub before an opportunity presented itself in retail with Carphone Warehouse. I had always enjoyed the customer engagement side of the role where selling was merely a by-product of forging relationships however their was a ceiling to my success and ultimately I had always been passionate about property and I felt I could do more albeit within a different setting.

Joining Allen & Harris, I built up a knowledge of the property industry for which I will forever be grateful. I joined the team as a Sales Negotiator before progressing to the role of Residential Sales Manager. It was a fantastic grounding for me and ultimately it gave me the opportunity to shine in an industry I am passionate about before the opportunity with Savills presented itself.

Q: What does your current role entail?

A:  I am accountable for new homes. We work with a number of developers across Oxfordshire as far out as Henley and Banbury for which encompasses a fairly diverse area. There’s always that little bit more of an incentive to succeed and it’s a great opportunity to learn and develop.

Q: You’re clearly passionate about the industry. Is there a particular aspect of your role or area(s) that you particularly enjoy?

A: I wouldn’t say there is one particular area that stands above all else (because there are many) however I do enjoy the sales process. More significantly to Savills I love the work environment! It’s like a different world, the properties I work with in new homes are completely different and the training is first class. I also have the opportunity to network and integrate with a entirely new clientele.

Q: Prior to securing your current position with Savills, were you exploring external opportunities and if so what were your experiences of scouring the Oxfordshire job market?

A: I wasn’t *laughs*! My goal was to progress with Allen & Harris and to see where my career would take me. From Sales Negotiator to Residential Sales Manager at this early point in my career I was more than content and comfortable with my progression. Having said that, I had harboured ambitions to possibly work with a firm with a reputation like Savills for which came out of the blue a little. I had maintained contact with Mike for some time whilst nothing materialised, Zöe then got in touch about the position with Savills… And here I am!

Q: Whilst you weren’t necessarily open to a new position at the time, what was your experience of the process?

A: Fantastic throughout the whole process. As I say I was in a position whereby I had a relationship with a couple of the guys from the office  I was well informed via both email and over the phone. Conversations were always constructive and transparent for which always helps!

Throughout the interview process I was always supported whether it be interview preparation, outstanding questions or advice. I cannot recommend Zöe and the team at Thompson & Terry highly enough – they are truly amazing.

Q: What advice would you give to any aspiring sales or property professionals seeking a new role?

A:  I guess being open minded about a conversation with a recruiter. Much like any industry there are good and bad. If you speak to the right one(s) who are looking to help they may also have a potential role that could be the next career move.