At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead land appraisals, negotiate contracts, and manage a dynamic land team.
- Company: A leading national housebuilder with ambitious growth targets.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression to Land Director and influence in decision-making.
- Other info: Engage with senior leadership and develop your career in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal time and make a real impact in land acquisition.
- Qualifications: Experience in land management and strong financial appraisal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
A leading national housebuilder is looking for an Associate Land Director to join their Yorkshire operation at a pivotal time. The business is in active acquisition mode, with ambitious growth targets and the pipeline to match. This isn't a holding role — it's a mandate to buy land.
The Land Director needs a strong, credible number two. Someone who can run the land team day-to-day, lead on appraisals and negotiations, and step into the Land Director's shoes during periods of absence without missing a beat. For the right person, this is a clear succession pathway to Land Director.
This will suit one of two profiles:
- The ambitious Senior Land Manager — you've outgrown your current role, you're already operating above your job title, and you want a platform where your deal-making ability and leadership are properly recognised and rewarded.
- The experienced Land Director — you've done the board packs, the strategy presentations, the internal politics. You want to get back to what you're best at: appraising sites, building landowner relationships, and getting land bought. You want a senior role with real influence but without the full weight of a director title on your shoulders.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading land appraisals from initial site identification through to board approval, including detailed financial modelling and risk assessment.
- Sourcing and securing land through off-market channels, direct landowner approaches, agent relationships, and proactive site finding across Yorkshire and the surrounding region.
- Structuring and negotiating conditional contracts, option agreements, joint venture partnerships, and promotion agreements.
- Managing liability schedules and land expenditure budgets, ensuring the pipeline is commercially robust and delivery-ready.
- Leading and developing a land team — mentoring junior land staff, setting targets, reviewing work, and building capability across the function.
- Deputising for the Land Director across all internal and external commitments, including land board presentations, strategic planning, and senior stakeholder engagement.
- Building and maintaining relationships with landowners, agents, planning consultancies, and local authorities to maintain a strong flow of opportunities.
- Working closely with planning, technical, and commercial teams to ensure acquired sites are deliverable and margin-accretive.
What We're Looking For
- Significant experience in a Senior Land Manager or Land Director role within a regional or national housebuilder.
- A demonstrable track record of acquiring residential development land — ideally a mix of strategic and immediate sites.
- Strong financial appraisal skills with a commercial mindset and sound judgement on risk.
- Direct experience of structuring joint ventures, option agreements, and off-market acquisitions.
- Proven ability to manage, lead, and develop a land team.
- Confidence engaging with senior leadership, land agents, and external partners at a strategic level.
- Deep knowledge of the Yorkshire and wider Northern market, including local planning dynamics, land values, and key agency and landowner networks.
- Someone who operates with pace, takes ownership, and can be trusted to make decisions.
associate land director employer: tdm recruitment
Join a leading national housebuilder in Yorkshire, where your expertise as an Associate Land Director will be recognised and rewarded. With a dynamic work culture that fosters ambition and collaboration, you'll have the opportunity to lead a talented land team while directly influencing the company's growth trajectory. The company prioritises employee development, offering clear pathways for advancement and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and strategic thinking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land associate land director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend local events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare to discuss your past successes in land acquisition and team leadership. Use specific examples that highlight your financial appraisal skills and ability to negotiate deals — this is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply for jobs; make it personal! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or someone in the team. A quick message expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and engaging. Share insights about the Yorkshire market, your thoughts on recent developments, or even articles related to land acquisition. This not only showcases your expertise but also keeps you on the radar of potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace associate land director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Associate Land Director role. Highlight your achievements in land acquisition, team leadership, and financial appraisal to show us you’re the perfect fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be specific about your experience in negotiations and appraisals to grab our attention.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve led teams and mentored others in your previous roles. Share examples of how you’ve developed talent and driven results, as this is key for the Associate Land Director position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at tdm recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial appraisal skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully structured deals, managed budgets, and assessed risks in previous roles. This will show that you have the commercial mindset they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience leading teams. Think of examples where you've mentored junior staff or set targets that led to successful outcomes. They want someone who can step into the Land Director's shoes, so demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the Yorkshire land market and its dynamics. Be prepared to discuss local planning issues, land values, and your network of contacts. Showing that you have a deep understanding of the area will give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and challenges. This not only shows your interest but also demonstrates your ability to engage with senior leadership and external partners.
