At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse development projects from appraisal to disposal in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Established land promotion business with a strong financial backing and a collaborative team.
- Benefits: Autonomy in decision-making, direct access to senior management, and varied project work.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant development projects across Yorkshire without bureaucratic delays.
- Qualifications: MRICS qualified or close to completion with relevant experience in land and development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
TDM Recruitment is working exclusively with an established, financially backed land promotion business to recruit a Development Surveyor for their Leeds office. This is a hands-on land and development role within a business managing a large and growing portfolio of promotion sites across Yorkshire. The portfolio spans residential schemes from 100 to 2,000 units, commercial and employment land, energy projects, and surplus land disposals — so the work is varied in a way that most housebuilder or agency surveying roles simply aren't. The team is small, experienced, and operates with a high degree of autonomy. You'll manage your own projects from appraisal and acquisition through promotion, consent, and disposal. No layers of approval. No waiting for someone else to make a decision. Direct access to directors and senior managers who trust their people to get on with it.
Responsibilities:
- Managing development projects through the full lifecycle — land appraisal, acquisition, promotion, consent, and disposal
- Conducting site appraisals, residual land valuations, and development viability assessments for new opportunities
- Negotiating and managing option agreements, planning promotional agreements, and conditional contracts with landowners
- Running the disposal process for consented sites — preparing marketing particulars, managing competitive tenders, negotiating terms with housebuilders and developers
- Coordinating external consultant teams (planning, legal, engineering, environmental) and managing programme delivery against milestones
- Managing an existing portfolio of surplus land and property, identifying development potential and progressing disposals
- Preparing financial appraisals, cashflow models, and investment papers for new site acquisitions
- Undertaking due diligence on new land opportunities — title, access, infrastructure, environmental constraints, planning history
- Building and maintaining relationships with housebuilders, developers, land agents, and landowners across the region
- Reporting project status, financial performance, key risks, and disposal outcomes to senior management
- Supporting contractual and legal matters — instructing solicitors, reviewing heads of terms, managing completion processes
- Contributing to emerging workstreams in energy, infrastructure, and environmental land management
Experience & Skills:
- MRICS qualified (or close to completing APC) with 4–5 years' post-qualification experience
- A background in one or more of: housebuilder land team, land promotion, development consultancy, property consultancy (development/agency), or public sector / utility estates and land management
- Experience with development appraisals and residual land valuations — comfortable with the numbers and the assumptions behind them
- Working knowledge of option agreements, conditional contracts, or promotion agreements — or at minimum the commercial and legal principles involved
- Track record of managing multi-disciplinary consultant teams and delivering projects against programme
- Confident negotiating with landowners, agents, housebuilders, and legal teams
- Commercially sharp — you understand how land value is created through the planning and development process and can articulate it
- Strong written and verbal communication — you'll be preparing marketing materials, investment papers, and board reports
- Proficient with standard appraisal tools (Argus Developer, bespoke Excel models, or equivalent)
- Self-motivated, well-organised, and comfortable working independently within a small team
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable:
- Experience with surplus land or property disposal — particularly utility, public sector, or institutional portfolios
- Knowledge of the Yorkshire housebuilder and developer market and active land agents in the region
- Exposure to energy or infrastructure land transactions (renewables, data centres, battery storage)
- Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain, natural capital, or environmental land management schemes
- Rural practice, estate management, or compulsory purchase experience
Development Surveyor in Bradford employer: tdm recruitment
Join a dynamic and innovative land promotion business in Leeds, where you will have the opportunity to manage diverse development projects with a high degree of autonomy. Our supportive work culture fosters direct communication with senior management, allowing you to make impactful decisions without bureaucratic delays. With a focus on employee growth and a varied portfolio that includes residential, commercial, and energy projects, this role offers a rewarding career path for those looking to make a difference in the property development sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Surveyor in Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend 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 person! If you get the chance, ask for an informational interview or a coffee chat with someone in the field. This is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge and passion for development surveying without the pressure of a formal interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to come to you. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one we're working with at StudySmarter. Express your interest and see if they have any upcoming opportunities that might suit your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing development projects and negotiating agreements. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Surveyor in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your MRICS qualification, development appraisal experience, and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how you fit into our unique model!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your hands-on experience and your ability to work independently within a small team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear and professional. Whether it's your CV, cover letter, or any additional documents, we want to see that you can articulate your thoughts effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at tdm recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Development Surveyor, you'll need to be comfortable with development appraisals and residual land valuations. Brush up on your financial skills and be ready to discuss your approach to these assessments during the interview. Show them you can articulate the assumptions behind the numbers.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
This role involves managing projects through their full lifecycle. Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams and delivered results. Highlight your ability to coordinate with external consultants and keep everything on track.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Prowess
Negotiating with landowners and housebuilders is key in this position. Be ready to share specific instances where you've successfully negotiated terms or agreements. This will show your confidence and commercial acumen, which are crucial for this role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Local Market
Understanding the Yorkshire housebuilder and developer market is a big plus. Do some research on local trends, key players, and recent developments. Being able to discuss this knowledge will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the region.
