At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead land acquisitions and shape strategic deals in the South East property market.
- Company: Dynamic, entrepreneurial property business with a strong track record and innovative approach.
- Benefits: Autonomy in decision-making, collaborative team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on planning gain and diverse project types.
- Why this job: Make impactful deals and work closely with leadership to drive company growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in land acquisition and a strong network in the property sector.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
If you know how to uncover hidden gems in the South East property market—and want the freedom to shape deals, not just source them—this is the kind of opportunity that rarely gets advertised.
About the Company
Our client is a privately owned, multi-sector property business with a long-established track record in land, trading, and boutique development. Entrepreneurial, well-capitalised, and fast-moving, the company operates across the Northern Home Counties, Surrey, Hampshire, London, and the South Coast. With a compact, highly capable team of around ten professionals, they combine planning expertise, design-led thinking, and commercial agility to deliver quality schemes and strong returns. Operating under a trading licence model, at least half of the company’s activity is focused on planning gain and site trading—unlocking value through smart acquisitions, strategic planning, and selective development. The business also owns a Registered Provider, allowing it to pursue affordable and mixed-tenure opportunities alongside private projects.
The Opportunity
This is a senior-level role for a confident, self-starting dealmaker—someone who brings something different to the table. You’ll take the lead on sourcing, structuring, and appraising land and development opportunities across the South East. Rather than a standard residential land-buying position, this is a chance to diversify and add value: you might have experience in strategic land, commercial or mixed-use assets, alternative residential (such as PBSA, BTR or co-living) or planning-led deals where gain is driven by consent, not construction. You’ll work closely with the company’s leadership team to shape acquisition strategy and drive the next phase of growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, appraise, and acquire land and buildings with development potential across the South East
- Lead due diligence, planning assessments, and financial appraisals
- Operate under the trading licence model, focusing on planning gain rather than delivery
- Build relationships with agents, landowners, developers, and local authorities
- Support diversification into new sectors or deal types
About You
- Proven track record in land acquisition, planning, or development across the South East
- Strong network of agents, landowners, and introducers
- Commercially astute and confident in assessing risk and opportunity
- Hands-on understanding of the planning system (Local Plans, NPPF, etc.)
- Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to work autonomously
- You bring a niche—perhaps in strategic land, commercial repurposing, alternative living, or mixed-use regeneration—and the contacts to back it up
Why This Role?
Join a company that can move fast, where your ideas will be heard, and your deals will actually happen. You’ll be part of a close-knit, loyal team with real momentum—led by a dynamic, design-minded founder who’s built an enviable portfolio by spotting potential others miss. The environment suits someone who thrives on autonomy and variety—who wants to leave behind a slow, underfunded setup and move to a platform that’s acquisitive, ambitious, and genuinely active.
Location: South West London
Interested? Curious? Let’s talk. Drop us a note or share a few lines about your background—no polished CV needed.
Please get in touch with me (Kate) on 0207 478 2523 to discuss and understand more about the role. If you do not hear back within two weeks, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful, but we will retain your details on file for future roles. If you do not hear anything back within one week, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, but I will retain your details for future roles. When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via kpm@cobaltrecruitment.com.
Acquisitions Manager (or Senior Acquisitions Manager) in Cardiff employer: Cobalt Recruitment
Join a dynamic and entrepreneurial property business that values innovation and agility, where your expertise in acquisitions will directly influence the company's growth trajectory. With a compact team based in South West London, you'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that encourages autonomy and creativity, alongside opportunities for professional development in a fast-paced environment. This is not just a job; it's a chance to make a meaningful impact in the South East property market while being part of a close-knit team that celebrates success and embraces new ideas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Acquisitions Manager (or Senior Acquisitions Manager) in Cardiff
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Cobalt Recruitment.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Cobalt Recruitment? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Cobalt Recruitment's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Acquisitions Manager (or Senior Acquisitions Manager) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Acquisitions Manager (or Senior Acquisitions Manager) role at Cobalt Recruitment, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cobalt Recruitment
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Cobalt Recruitment operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Cobalt Recruitment. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Cobalt Recruitment.
