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.
- Benefits: Autonomy in decision-making and direct access to senior management.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a small, experienced team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on varied projects across Yorkshire without bureaucratic delays.
- Qualifications: MRICS qualified with 4-5 years' experience in land promotion or development consultancy.
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 Chester employer: tdm recruitment
Join a dynamic and financially robust land promotion business in Leeds, where your role as a Development Surveyor offers unparalleled autonomy and the chance to manage diverse projects from inception to completion. With a supportive team culture and direct access to senior management, you'll have the opportunity to make impactful decisions without bureaucratic delays, all while contributing to a growing portfolio that includes residential, commercial, and energy projects across Yorkshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Surveyor in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know in the field, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements. When you meet potential employers, having something tangible to share can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out directly! If you see a company you’d love to work for, send them a message or an email expressing your interest. Sometimes, a proactive approach can lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you nail that interview. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Surveyor in Chester
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 experience with land promotion 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. Being able to articulate the assumptions behind your numbers will show that you understand how land value is created.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
This role involves managing projects through their full lifecycle, so be prepared to share specific examples of projects you've managed. Highlight your experience coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and how you’ve delivered projects on time. This will demonstrate your ability to work autonomously and effectively within a small team.
✨Understand the Local Market
Familiarise yourself with the Yorkshire housebuilder and developer market. Research recent developments, key players, and trends in the area. Showing that you have a grasp of the local landscape will impress the interviewers and indicate that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Negotiating with landowners and agents is a crucial part of this role. Think of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms or agreements. Be ready to discuss your strategies and how you handle challenging negotiations, as this will showcase your commercial acumen and confidence.
