At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and secure land sites, building relationships and uncovering off-market opportunities.
- Company: Privately owned housebuilder with a strong reputation in the South East.
- Benefits: Quick decision-making, autonomy in deal-making, and rewards for success.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth without the bureaucracy of larger companies.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team where your skills can shine and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven land buying experience and strong appraisal skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
A well-established, privately owned housebuilder with a strong reputation across the South East is looking to strengthen its land team with the appointment of a Senior Land Manager. This is a genuine deal-making role for someone who thrives on finding opportunities others can't — not just processing what agents send over.
The Role
- You'll be responsible for sourcing and securing 3–4 sites per year across Kent and Sussex, ranging from 5 to 75 units, covering both immediate and strategic land opportunities.
- This isn't a desk-bound appraisal role — the business wants someone who's out in the market, building relationships with landowners, farmers, solicitors, and smaller agents, and genuinely uncovering off-market opportunities rather than relying solely on agency introductions.
- You'll take sites from initial identification through appraisal, negotiation, and legal completion, working closely with planning, technical, and commercial teams along the way.
What They're Looking For
- Proven land buying track record with a PLC or major regional housebuilder, comfortable working within structured processes, land pipelines, and reporting systems.
- A genuine deal-maker — someone who can build their own network and originate off-market opportunities, not just react to agent-led stock.
- Strong appraisal skills — comfortable running the numbers and challenging assumptions on viability, not just relying on land teams above them.
- Solid planning knowledge — able to assess planning risk and opportunity across both allocated and unallocated sites.
- Experience across both immediate and strategic land, with the flexibility to work both types of deal simultaneously.
- Existing relationships across the Kent and Sussex land and planning market would be a strong advantage.
- Self-starting and commercially driven, with the confidence to operate with a good degree of autonomy.
Why This Role
This is a rare opportunity to join a privately owned business where decisions are made quickly, land buyers are trusted to originate and negotiate deals directly, and success is rewarded without the bureaucracy typical of larger PLC structures. For a land buyer who's proven themselves within a corporate environment but wants more ownership, autonomy, and a shorter route from opportunity to completion, this is an outstanding next step.
senior land manager in Maidstone employer: tdm recruitment
At tdm recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the vibrant city of Bristol, our team enjoys a collaborative environment with opportunities for progression, alongside competitive benefits such as performance-related bonuses. Join us to make a meaningful impact in enhancing customer experiences across the South West while being part of a dynamic and expanding team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land senior land manager in Maidstone
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like tdm recruitment.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like tdm recruitment? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit tdm recruitment's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace senior land manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the senior land manager role at tdm recruitment, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at tdm recruitment
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where tdm recruitment operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to tdm recruitment. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at tdm recruitment.