At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead land appraisals, negotiate contracts, and manage a dynamic land team.
- Company: A leading national housebuilder with ambitious growth targets.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression to Land Director and influence in decision-making.
- Other info: Engage with senior leadership and develop your career in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal time and make a real impact in land acquisition.
- 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.
Yorkshire Land Growth Lead (Senior Associate Director) in Sheffield employer: tdm recruitment
Join a leading national housebuilder in Yorkshire, where your expertise in land acquisition will be recognised and rewarded. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this role offers a clear pathway to senior leadership while working alongside a dynamic team committed to ambitious growth targets. Enjoy the unique advantage of being part of a company that values innovation and strategic thinking in a thriving regional market.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Yorkshire Land Growth Lead (Senior Associate 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 skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss your past successes in land acquisition and team leadership. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or recruiter. A quick message expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your LinkedIn profile fresh! Make sure it reflects your latest achievements and skills relevant to the Yorkshire Land Growth Lead role. Recruiters often scout LinkedIn for talent, so let them see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Yorkshire Land Growth Lead (Senior Associate Director) in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your achievements in land acquisition and team leadership, as these are key for us at StudySmarter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Yorkshire Land Growth Lead role. Share your passion for land development and how your experience aligns with our ambitious growth targets.
Showcase Your Deal-Making Skills:We want to see your deal-making prowess! Include examples of successful negotiations and land acquisitions you've led. This will help us understand your capability to step into the Land Director's shoes when needed.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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, including joint ventures and option agreements. This role is all about numbers, so showing your commercial mindset will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in leading and developing a land team. Think of specific instances where you've mentored junior staff or set targets that led to success. They want someone who can step into the Land Director's shoes, so demonstrate your ability to lead with confidence.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in building and maintaining relationships with landowners, agents, and local authorities. Share stories that showcase your networking skills and how these relationships have helped you secure land deals. This is crucial for the role, so make it a key part of your discussion.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the Yorkshire and Northern market dynamics. Be prepared to discuss local land values and planning processes. Showing that you have a deep understanding of the area will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
