Land Development Manager

Join to apply for the Land Development Manager role at Rider Levett Bucknall RLB. Department: Project Management Location: Home Based Discipline: Development Management Sector: Data Centres Location: Remote (UK) Reporting To: Senior Associate / Partner Employment Type: 18 Month Fixed Term Contract

Why RLB? At RLB, we live by four simple ideas: Truth, Trust, Together, Tomorrow. Four values that live at the heart of RLB. A place where People Make Progress. We value your skills, talents and unique perspectives – we think they are priceless. Bring them to RLB and you’ll be empowered to shape our future and your career in new and meaningful ways. We’ll give you opportunities to work on some of the most ambitious and exciting projects currently being designed and developed in the built environment sector. You’ll continue to learn and advance as everyone who works for us is provided with a tailored training programme. Our mentoring and reverse mentoring schemes will enable you to share your expertise while gaining fresh insights. What makes RLB unique is our inclusive culture. As an independent, employee‑owned business, teamwork and collaboration lies at the heart of everything we do. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements and family‑friendly policies are just some of the ways we invest in employee wellbeing. Join us and you will thrive personally as well as professionally.

Role Overview

Our Development Management team supports major international clients in the delivery of complex, multi‑disciplinary, long‑term programs, from early site evaluation through permitting, design coordination, construction readiness and handover. We are seeking a Land Development Manager to support strategic development programs across the UK. This role will play a key part in guiding projects through their permitting, planning and pre‑construction phases, while coordinating cross‑functional teams and maintaining strong relationships with authorities and stakeholders. The role offers an opportunity to work on major, high‑profile international development programs in a dynamic, collaborative environment, with multidisciplinary experts across Europe and globally, along with exposure to cutting‑edge planning, development and infrastructure frameworks.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the permitting, zoning, planning and development approvals process for multiple large‑scale projects within the region.
• Conduct due diligence assessments across design and construction phases, ensuring risks are identified early and appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
• Manage project development budgets and support progression through internal decision gates up to construction launch.
• Engage with landowners, developers and external partners to negotiate development agreements and support acquisition activities.
• Represent RLB and our clients in meetings with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), regulatory bodies, infrastructure providers, and local stakeholders.
• Coordinate infrastructure requirements—including utilities, access, and local improvement obligations—during project scoping and permitting.
• Collaborate with engineering, environmental, legal, construction and operations teams to ensure alignment on permitting pathways and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and present clear, high‑quality reports on project progress, risks, and permitting status to both internal teams and client leadership.
• Support the development of regional strategies informed by market conditions, regulatory frameworks, and client demand.
• Oversee due diligence processes and drive the identification and resolution of entitlement, zoning, or regulatory constraints.
• Maintain effective relationships with brokers, developers, government agencies and community stakeholders.
• Track and report on portfolio‑level metrics including permitting timelines, risk indicators, and development pipeline health.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate, Urban Planning or a related discipline.
• Member of relevant professional body (highly desirable).

• Significant experience in land development, real estate, infrastructure or large‑scale project delivery.
• Proven background securing zoning, planning, permitting or other regulatory approvals for complex or high‑impact developments.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects, budgets, schedules and deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted working relationships across diverse internal and external teams (consultants, regulatory bodies, developers, legal advisors, community stakeholders, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail and a commitment to high‑quality deliverables.
• Experience in community engagement or stakeholder management.
• Background in mission‑critical, industrial, energy or large infrastructure projects is desirable.

• Recognised as a client focused, positive collaborator who shares knowledge freely and offers support to their peers and seniors.
• Recognised as a team player with a strong willingness to learn.
• Demonstrates a positive and proactive approach to the role, and will be committed to delivering customer service excellence, with good commercial results.

RLB Employee Benefits

Our culture is built around enabling you to fulfil your potential, so you can look forward to benefits that include:

• Hybrid Working - Working patterns to support your work‑life balance. As well as competitive maternity and paternity packages.
• Well‑Rewarded - A competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement. As well as the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days.
• Focus On Wellbeing - We offer a number of health and wellness options, including gym membership and cycle to work schemes.
• Healthcare Packages - Private healthcare insurance and medical support, including dental insurance and eyecare vouchers.
• Personal Development - A continuous learning and development programme, including established APC and in‑house mentoring schemes.
• Additional Benefits - We offer a wide range of benefits including a season ticket loan and professional membership subscriptions.
• Exceptional Exposure - You’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different sectors and regions.
• Social Responsibility - We hold team and social events as well as charity fundraising and volunteering activities.

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment

We believe in building a diverse and inclusive environment where each person can be themselves, feel valued for their contribution and be challenged and supported to reach their full potential. We have a responsibility to support the communities in which we live and work, and that our workforce should reflect these communities and our clients. Our talent strategy should enable us to overcome bias in the construction industry by recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during any stage of the application or interview process, please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@uk.rlb.com