At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead land acquisition strategy and secure residential development opportunities.
- Company: Ambitious, privately-owned property business launching a new development platform.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, long-term incentives, and autonomy in your role.
- Other info: Opportunity to work autonomously and build something from the ground up.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing development business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in acquiring residential sites and strong industry network.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join an ambitious, privately-owned property business as it launches its own residential development platform.
Having built an established reputation within the construction and delivery sector, the business is now investing in its next phase of growth by acquiring land directly and creating value through the planning process. This is a rare opportunity to become the first senior hire within the new development arm and play a key role in shaping its future.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the owners, you'll lead the land acquisition strategy across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, identifying and securing predominantly 5-50 unit residential opportunities through Option Agreements and Subject to Planning deals. This is a role focused on quality rather than volume. The expectation is to secure approximately 1-2 high-quality sites each year, carefully selecting opportunities that offer genuine planning uplift and strong commercial returns, rather than chasing acquisition numbers.
You'll have genuine autonomy to develop relationships, negotiate acquisitions and establish the foundations of a growing development business, supported by an established construction business capable of delivering the schemes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Source on and off-market residential development opportunities.
- Build relationships with landowners, agents and local industry contacts.
- Negotiate Option Agreements, Subject to Planning agreements and other acquisition structures.
- Assess planning potential, site constraints and commercial viability.
- Work with external planning and technical consultants to maximise development value.
- Help shape the long-term land and acquisition strategy for the business.
About You
You'll already have a successful track record acquiring residential development sites and possess an excellent network across your target geography. You'll be commercially minded, entrepreneurial and motivated by the opportunity to build something from the ground up rather than inherit an established function.
You may currently work client-side for a housebuilder or SME developer, or perhaps you've built your career within residential land agency and are looking for the opportunity to use your relationships in a highly entrepreneurial client-side role.
Most importantly, you'll be comfortable working autonomously, making commercial decisions, and becoming a trusted adviser to the owners as they build a long-term development platform.
Land and Planning Director employer: Cobalt Recruitment
Join a dynamic real estate development and investment management firm in London, where your expertise in equity capital raising will be highly valued. With a lucrative salary and performance-based bonuses, you'll thrive in a high-growth environment that fosters collaboration and innovation among ambitious investors. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth, offering unique opportunities to expand your professional network and enhance your skills in a vibrant city known for its financial prowess.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Land and Planning Director
✨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 Land and Planning Director
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 Land and Planning Director 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.
