At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic land initiatives and collaborate with a diverse team of professionals.
- Company: Berrys, a dynamic firm specialising in land and property services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and professional development support.
- Other info: Join a friendly team with excellent growth opportunities and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in land development while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong background in land valuation and strategic planning; RICS accreditation preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Berrys is all about land and property. Working from four offices across the Midlands, we offer an array of services - planning, architecture, building surveying, valuation and business consultancy - to help our clients make the most of their assets.
You will be part of a multi-disciplinary development team made up of engineers, surveyors, archaeologists, planners and architects. You will be part of a business which is big enough for a varied range of work and opportunities, but small enough to provide autonomy and a chance to really get to know everyone – expanding your skills and building new connections.
Operational Requirements:- Act as the internal figurehead for our Strategic Land offer within the Towcester office and be the go-to source for technical and market expertise.
- Cover the Northamptonshire market and surrounding counties.
- Lead the identification, appraisal, and securing of strategic land opportunities through promotion agreements, option agreements, JV structures, and freehold acquisition/disposal.
- Undertake development appraisals, land valuation, and high-level viability assessments to inform strategic decision-making.
- Work collaboratively with planners, architects, valuers and development specialists to deliver cohesive advice and coordinated strategies for clients.
- Provide expert guidance to landowners, from initial site appraisal through to the promotion, planning and disposal processes.
- Maintain a strong understanding of the evolving planning landscape, local plan reviews, call-for-sites and regional housing need.
- Support and mentor junior team members, helping them develop technical understanding of strategic land, planning policy and the development lifecycle.
- Demonstrate commercial awareness, understanding drivers of profitability, efficiency and team productivity.
- Gain a deep understanding of Berrys' business model and multi-disciplinary service offering to promote a comprehensive development proposition to clients.
- Drive business development activity to expand our strategic land instructions across Northamptonshire and neighbouring counties.
- Build and maintain a strong network of landowners, promoters, developers, housebuilders, agents, and local authority contacts.
- Leverage existing relationships to enhance the pipeline of strategic land opportunities and cross-sell other Berrys services where appropriate.
- Review our current strategic land portfolio, identify strengths and weaknesses, and implement a diversification and growth plan.
- Monitor market trends, land values, planning policy and developer appetite, shaping Berrys' approach accordingly.
- Represent the company at industry events, maintaining a strong and positive presence within the regional land and development market.
- This is a senior hire and the person must be able to develop and sustain their own book of clients and portfolio of instructions.
- Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
- A passion for land, planning and development with a friendly, professional manner and strong client focus.
- Strong track record of advising landowners and managing strategic land instructions.
- Ability to set technical and commercial strategy for the strategic land team.
- Exceptional skills in land valuation, development appraisal and planning-led decision-making.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Strategic thinker with excellent attention to detail.
- Resilient under pressure, adaptable to change and able to prioritise competing demands.
- Commitment to innovation and continual improvement of service delivery.
- RICS-accredited qualification preferred (Rural, Planning & Development or Commercial routes considered).
- Confident using social media channels such as LinkedIn to support business development.
- Full, clean UK driving licence essential due to site visits and landowner meetings.
- The role sits within a friendly and supportive team with opportunities to develop.
- We will offer an excellent salary for the right candidate reflective of your skills, qualifications and experience.
- We will pay all the appropriate professional memberships and fund your attendance at relevant CPD events and time off for approved training.
- We provide Private Healthcare scheme for all via BUPA.
- We have an Employee Assistance Programme, including a health plan and annual flu jab.
- We have an agile working philosophy allowing for a mix of remote and office working.
- We provide an entitlement of 35 days holiday per annum (pro rata to working hours) inclusive of bank holidays.
- An additional day off to celebrate your Birthday.
- We give an additional day of holiday for every 3 years of service.
- There is potential for discretionary bonus.
- We provide an enhanced workplace pension scheme operated through the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST).
- Following successful probation period, access to employee loan and employee discount on Berrys services.
- We offer salary sacrifice schemes for Electric Vehicles and Cycle to Work schemes.
Closing Date: 23rd April 2026. Please note that we may close this role early if sufficient applications are received, therefore it is recommended to apply early if you match the criteria.
Head of Strategic Land in Northampton employer: Berrys
Berrys is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Towcester where strategic land professionals can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company provides an attractive benefits package and the opportunity to lead and innovate within the industry, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Land in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join local groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Head of Strategic Land role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you meet potential employers or clients, share your insights on market trends and strategic land opportunities. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also positions you as a go-to expert in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies like Berrys directly and express your interest in their strategic land initiatives. A well-timed email can put you on their radar before they even start looking.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated on planning policies and market changes. Consider attending CPD events or webinars to enhance your skills. This shows potential employers that you’re committed to growth and innovation in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Land in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see that you understand what we're looking for in a Head of Strategic Land, so make sure you highlight your relevant experience and skills that match our needs.
Show Your Passion for Land and Development:We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about land, planning, and development. In your application, let us know why this field excites you and how your enthusiasm can contribute to our team at Berrys.
Be Specific About Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, be specific! Share examples of your past successes in strategic land management, stakeholder engagement, or any relevant projects. We want to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berrys
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Berrys' services and the strategic land market. Brush up on recent planning policies, local market trends, and key players in the industry. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Network
Be prepared to discuss your existing connections with landowners, developers, and local authorities. Highlight how these relationships can benefit Berrys and contribute to expanding their strategic land instructions. A strong network is crucial for this role, so make it a focal point in your conversation.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a senior hire, you'll need to show that you can mentor and support junior team members. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to developing others' skills in strategic land and planning policy.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you've had to navigate complex land valuation or development appraisal situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
