Strategic Land Manager in Milton Keynes

We are experts in the UK land market, with a proven track record of identifying and securing strategic land opportunities that meet future housing needs. Our experienced Land and Planning team combines technical expertise with deep knowledge of national and local planning systems to deliver optimum land value through well-crafted, site-specific strategies. Whether targeting Local Plan allocations or promoting sites where housing supply is insufficient, we collaborate closely with landowners, local authorities, and communities to deliver sustainable and aspirational developments across the UK.

What you will do:

• Proactively source strategic land opportunities (options/unconditional purchases) with future development potential across the operation patches of the strategic land business.
• Undertake business lead activities in relation to identifying new opportunities, including building relationships with agents, land owners and other external institutions.
• Conduct due diligence and viability appraisals and searches for sites to assess their suitability for acquisition.
• Support the delivery of opportunities against agreed targets and timeframes.
• Lead the acquisition negotiation process, engaging with solicitors and professional advisors.
• Manage the wider acquisition process including full due diligence, working with the land and planning.
• Appraise different site options, understand financial implications and impacts of decision making and managing risk, to ensure that all acquisitions reach the company investment criteria.
• Support internal reporting of live projects, including updating internal appraisals to inform board reporting.
• Assist the Land Director in exercising options and agreeing land pricing with vendors and the wider professional team.
• Manage and co-ordinate external consultants (architects, planners, and agents) to support external input into bids and subsequent planning applications along with the planning team.
• Work closely with the planning team, relevant consultants, and advisers, that aim to obtain a Local Plan allocation or planning permission in the shortest possible timeframe.
• Be involved in the project management of the planning promotion process of each site in line with the agreed planning strategy, liaising closely with landowners and their agents.
• Ensure that each project runs on time and within budget with an aim to achieve the set objectives.

What you will have:

• 6 years' experience working in the strategic division of a national housebuilder, land promoter or trader.
• Strong experience of successfully negotiating land deals (options, promotions, unconditional deals).
• Understanding of national and local planning policy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong knowledge and use of development appraisals.
• Strong knowledge of Technical design and the Planning system.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage with a variety of audiences and build good relationships.
• Highly motivated, self-driven and entrepreneurial but work well as part of a larger team.

What we will offer you:

• £Competitive basic salary
• Car Allowance
• Discretionary bonus
• 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme - EAP
• Health Hero digital doctor - 24 hr virtual help and appointments
• Health Assured Wisdom App
• Competitive parental leave
• 3x salary life assurance (paid option to increase to x4)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employer matched pension scheme of up to 5%
• Flexible benefits including shopping vouchers, airport parking and reduced gym membership

Important note for Recruitment Agencies: Please do not send, by any means, unsolicited Resumes (i) in response to any of our roles, (ii) to any of our employees or any person engaged by us, or (iii) to any of our regional businesses, including our head office. Any unsolicited Resumes received by us shall be deemed to be our property. Any candidate submitted to us by an Agency via an unsolicited Resume shall be deemed to have been referred by that Agency free of commission, fee or any other charge (Fees). We are not liable for any Fees relating to the engagement of any person resulting from an unsolicited Resume and will not pay a Fee to any Agency that is not an Appointed Agency.