At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead land acquisition strategy and secure residential development opportunities across the North West.
- Company: Privately owned residential developer with strong family backing and ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Exceptional package, performance-related bonus, and a healthy work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant influence and autonomy in a dynamic entrepreneurial setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing developer and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in land acquisition and strong commercial judgement.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Exceptional Package + Healthy Site & Performance Related Bonus.
Cognisant Search has been instructed to appoint a Head of Land on behalf of a privately owned residential developer headquartered in Cheshire.
Backed by over £34 million of family equity, alongside additional family office investment, the business has a number of live residential developments and is targeting delivery of approximately 200 homes per annum by 2030.
An experienced board, including the former CEO and CFO of a major UK housebuilder, provides the leadership and governance to support its long-term growth.
As part of the next phase of expansion, the business is seeking to appoint its first Head of Land.
Reporting directly to the owners, you'll establish and lead the land function, driving acquisition strategy and securing residential opportunities across Greater Manchester and the wider North West.
The business focuses on high-quality residential developments, typically 50-100 units, with a disciplined approach to acquisitions, prioritising quality, margin and long-term value over volume.
The Opportunity You’ll take ownership of the land acquisition strategy, identifying, appraising, negotiating and securing development opportunities across the region.
Developing and delivering the land acquisition strategy Sourcing and securing residential development opportunities Leading negotiations with landowners, agents and promoters Preparing appraisals and investment papers for board approval Managing acquisitions through to exchange Building and maintaining key relationships across the North West land market Establishing the systems and processes to support the continued growth of the business Candidate Profile We're interested in speaking with commercially minded land professionals with a proven track record of acquiring residential development sites across Cheshire and the wider North West.
You’ll most likely already be operating as a Head of Land, Senior Land Manager ready to step up, or potentially an established Land Director looking for a more entrepreneurial environment.
You’ll demonstrate A track record of securing residential land opportunities Commercial judgement and appraisal capability A network of agents, landowners and professional contacts The ability to present opportunities with confidence The commercial discipline to pursue the right opportunities rather than simply increasing volume.
Why This Role?
This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a land function from the outset, working directly with the owners and playing a significant role in the future direction of the business.
If you’re looking for greater influence, autonomy and the opportunity to help shape a growing developer, we’d welcome a confidential conversation. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Land in Manchester employer: Cognisant
Cognisant is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in Cheshire, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to shape the land function and make a significant impact on residential development across Greater Manchester and the North West. Our supportive culture encourages professional development and rewards initiative, making it a truly rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Land in Manchester
✨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 Cognisant.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Cognisant? 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 Cognisant's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Land in Manchester
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 Head of Land role at Cognisant, 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 Cognisant
✨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 Cognisant 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 Cognisant. 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 Cognisant.
