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 supportive, small team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on varied projects across Yorkshire without bureaucratic delays.
- Qualifications: MRICS qualified or close to completion with relevant experience.
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 Dartford 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 Dartford
✨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 showcase your expertise 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 give them a call. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. Sometimes, a proactive approach can lead to unexpected openings.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you nail that interview. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates who are just sending in their CVs through job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Surveyor in Dartford
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 hands-on approach. Be genuine and let your personality come through — we love that!
Showcase Your Project Management Skills:Since you'll be managing projects from start to finish, it's crucial to demonstrate your project management abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in land appraisal and development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it shows you're 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. Think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated terms or agreements. Be ready to discuss your strategies and how you handle tough conversations.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Local Market
Understanding the Yorkshire housebuilder and developer market will give you an edge. Research current trends, key players, and recent developments in the area. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
