At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead land appraisals, negotiate contracts, and manage a dynamic land team.
- Company: A leading national housebuilder with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression to Land Director and competitive salary.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with significant influence and responsibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in land acquisition and shape the future of housing.
- 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 looking to get back to the deals — 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 in Sheffield 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 strong focus on employee growth, this role offers a clear pathway to advancement while working in a dynamic environment that values collaboration and innovation. Enjoy the benefits of a supportive work culture, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in a company poised for ambitious growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land associate land director in Sheffield
✨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 expertise! When you meet potential employers or connections, don’t be shy about sharing your successes in land acquisition and negotiations. Use real examples to demonstrate your skills and how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you want to work for, reach out directly. Send a friendly email or LinkedIn message expressing your interest and highlighting your relevant experience. Sometimes, a personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to check our website regularly! We’re always updating our listings, and applying through us gives you a direct line to the hiring team. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace associate land director in Sheffield
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 makes you the ideal candidate. Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with the Yorkshire market!
Showcase Your Deal-Making Skills:We want to see your deal-making prowess! Include specific examples of successful land acquisitions or negotiations you've led. This will help us understand your approach and effectiveness in securing land.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from 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.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in building and maintaining relationships with landowners, agents, and local authorities. Be ready to share specific strategies you've used to secure off-market opportunities and how you’ve navigated local planning dynamics.
✨Be Ready to Discuss the Yorkshire Market
Familiarise yourself with the current land values and key players in the Yorkshire and Northern market. Bring insights into local trends and challenges, as this will show your deep knowledge and commitment to the role.
