An exceptional opportunity to join a well-funded, privately owned national developer delivering large-scale, purpose-led projects across England. The business has recently taken on a large capital injection to expand at a faster pace and is looking to deploy cash into new land acquisition over the next 2 years.
With over 30 years of experience and an integrated approach from land acquisition through to delivery, this organisation has built a reputation for certainty of delivery, technical excellence and sustainable development. The land team plays a critical role in driving growth, and due to continued expansion, we are seeking an experienced group Land Acquisitions Director to lead offer conversion and complex land transactions.
Whilst you will have a land buying background, we are looking for someone who has extensive experience of managing national teams running 30 plus acquisitions a year and working at fast pace. They are looking to double land buying volume over the next 24 months, so you must be used to working in a scaling business with continually moving targets and metrics of success.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Managing director, you will lead the conversion of land opportunities through negotiation, structuring and completion — overcoming complex commercial, planning and technical challenges to meet ambitious pipeline and programme targets.
You will provide strong leadership to the land purchasing team, working closely with technical, legal and planning colleagues to ensure all transactions are robust, de-risked and aligned with delivery objectives.
This is a highly strategic role requiring commercial judgement, negotiation expertise and the ability to drive multi-disciplinary teams through critical milestones. You will have a solution-finding mindset and have detailed experience across technical, engineering, town planning and legal contracts.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead negotiations and close-out discussions on land offers and bidding processes
* Oversee the progression of offers to fully de-risked Heads of Terms
* Ensure technical, planning and legal matters are fully understood before solicitor instruction
* Structure deals to enhance conversion rates and mitigate risk
* Chair pre-Heads of Terms meetings with sellers and internal stakeholders
* Drive planning, technical and design teams to meet milestone deadlines
* Maintain strategic relationships with landowners and agents
* Lead and develop the regional Land Directors
* Proactively identify and resolve development challenges through pre-planning
About You
* You will be a commercially astute land professional with:
* Demonstrable experience managing complex land purchases
* A track record of unlocking legal, technical and commercial challenges
* Experience delivering major developments or large-scale regeneration
* Strong negotiation skills and high commercial acumen
* 6+ years’ experience in a senior land-led development director role
* Super ambitious and motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset