Land Manager/Buyer

Leeds Office - Sites nationally

The Opportunity

An experienced and enthusiastic Land Buyer/Manager is required to lead the land team in identifying and acquiring development sites.

The individual will be responsible for identifying, evaluating and securing sufficient land/sites for Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and City Centre residential developments. They will require the ability to analyse the sites planning merits alongside being responsible for ensuring the site delivers the required financial returns.

The Role

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Follow leads and source land opportunities

Be experienced in negotiating and finalising lead deals with both landowners and agents

Maintain a high profile with external property contacts by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with key stakeholders. This will include key persons at local authorities, local agents and land owners

The Land team work closely with other departments within the development business and must have the attributes to work as part of a wider team with the Technical, Build, Sales and Finance teams to ensure the land acquisition process, management and delivery is effective.

Appraise a site to establish land value and writing reports on your findings for the Main Board Approval

Good legal knowledge for acquisition contracts

Be well versed to manage and deliver pre-application presentations and discussions

Understand planning legislation and working closely with planning teams to assess suitability for development and the likelihood of achieving permission for a variety of developments

Realise the development potential of a plot of land

Liaise with vendors and external companies to arrange site surveys

Provide survey companies with all relevant site information

Manage budgets and consultant teams

Technical Competencies:

Experience in Land acquisition, development and planning

The Person

Person Specification:

Be thorough and pay attention to detail

Analytical thinking skills and problem solving

Able to use your initiative and be self motivated

Excellent verbal communication skills

Knowledge of planning, politics, building and construction

Able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Have the benefit of contacts with agents and landowners to identify and secure opportunities.