Graduate Land Manager in Paisley

Founded in 1978, Clark Contracts is a privately owned main contractor with several operating divisions; Construction, Fit Out, Refurbishment, Housing, and Maintenance. We employ over 280 people with offices in the East and West of Scotland. It's an exciting time for both our Housing Division and our Development Partner Nova Homes and we have a unique opportunity for an experienced Land Manager to join our team and play a key role in securing land opportunities that will support our future growth. These opportunities will be predominately in the RSL/Affordable Housing Sector.

Role & Responsibilities

As Land Manager, you will be responsible for identifying, appraising, and securing land opportunities in line with company strategy. You will play a pivotal role at the front end of the development process, working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to build a strong pipeline of viable sites. You will manage the land acquisition process from initial opportunity through to purchase, including early feasibility, commercial appraisal, and negotiations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying and sourcing new land opportunities through market research, agent relationships, and off-market initiatives.
• Assessing potential land opportunities, including planning, technical, legal, and commercial constraints.
• Preparing and reviewing site appraisals and financial viability assessments to support acquisition decisions.
• Leading negotiations with landowners, agents, and legal teams to secure land on favourable terms.
• Managing land bids and submissions, including heads of terms and supporting documentation.
• Coordinating with planning consultants, surveyors, and technical teams during the early feasibility and pre-acquisition stages.
• Maintaining an up-to-date land pipeline aligned with business objectives and market conditions.
• Monitoring market trends, planning policy changes, and competitor activity to inform land strategy.
• Effectively reporting land acquisition activity, risks, and opportunities for forecasts, budgets, and board meetings.
• Representing the business professionally in the marketplace, building relationships that generate future land opportunities.
• Working collaboratively with development and delivery teams to ensure a smooth transition from land acquisition to development.

Candidate

You will bring proven experience in land acquisition within a housebuilding or residential development environment, with a strong understanding of the commercial drivers behind successful land purchases. Your key attributes will include:

• A demonstrable track record of identifying and securing residential 'land led' opportunities.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to assess site viability and risk at an early stage.
• Experience negotiating land deals, including conditional contracts and option agreements.
• A sound understanding of the planning system and how planning risk impacts land value.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with RSLs/landowners, agents, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• The ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously and prioritise effectively.

Why work for us?

At Clark Contracts Ltd, we offer more than just a job. We are committed to investing in our employees and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. In addition to a competitive salary (negotiable based on experience), you will benefit from:

• 33 days annual leave entitlement (This is inclusive of 8 public holidays), with the option to purchase additional holidays.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Ongoing training and development.
• Contributory personal pension scheme.
• Access to the company's Employee Assistance Programme which includes support for both you and your family (conditions apply) as well as a team of Mental Health First Aiders.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Group Life Assurance.
• Critical Illness Income Protection.
• Company Sick Pay.
• Enhanced Paternity and Maternity Pay.
• Eyecare Vouchers.
• Employee volunteering scheme.
• Additional holidays for long service.

This is a full-time, permanent position based at our Head Office in Paisley although due to the nature of the role travel will be required.

Candidates who apply for this role will have their data stored for the purposes of the recruitment process. The storage of your data complies with The General Data Protection Regulation. Full details of what is stored and how can be found in our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.