Development Director

This team is responsible for identifying and sourcing the best locations for new developments. It’s fast moving and, in today’s climate, extremely competitive and commercial in its focus. While we need to be commercial and competitive in bidding for sought after land, we also need to be imaginative in identifying other possibilities – such as land that currently doesn’t have planning permission. It’s a complex area of our work, and one that’s under intense commercial scrutiny and pressure. It’s also the life of our business, which makes this team’s work even more vital and far-reaching. Entrepreneurial and imaginative in your thinking, you’ll need to be a good assessor of risks, and an even better relationship builder. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will contribute to the overall success of the business by acquiring and securing land at the optimum price, supporting the attainment of targets for the Division and Region. You will work closely with the MD and Management Team, ensuring that land purchased takes all business variables into account. You will be expected to: Identify potential sites and enable the acquisition of land opportunities in line with the need for business growth. Evaluate site potential and assessment of land value and revenue, in terms of ground conditions, site mix, planning approvals and costs, based on feasibility work carried out in conjunction with Technical/Sales. Liaise with landowners, land agents, local authorities, housing associations, etc., on land development thereby creating a strong network of contacts within the Divisional geography and an awareness of all land activities, key agents and speculators in the operating area. Be aware of local/national issues impacting upon the delivery of results particularly in relation to planning and environmental issues and the impact of the environmental lobby, providing early sight of risks to achievement of land targets with possible solutions. Effectively negotiate land deals, in relation to price, covenants, conditions etc., to obtain the results required by the Division to meet targets and to optimise performance. Ensure the Land team are fully resourced and well-directed, with clear guidelines to their own job responsibilities, and are provided with full support in achieving these, in terms of communication, training and development, and the organisation of the department’s workload. Appropriately report to the MD and Divisional Board in line with the standard format and schedule including timely and accurate production of Land Packs for authorisation. Undertake community engagements as necessary. Promote and act in accordance with Group values, systems, policies and procedures. To be successful in the role, we are looking for: Demonstrable effective experience of working, in a similar role, in a major company. Knowledge and use of business contacts, land owners and speculators, and key players in relevant organisations, e.g. English Estates, Housing Associations, Environmental organisations. Individual who is ideally qualified to degree standard in a relevant subject, e.g. Planning, Property Surveying, Technical Engineering, and with membership of a Professional Institute. Good technical knowledge and awareness of other disciplines of the business particularly in relation to Sales and Commercial/Technical matters. Some legal knowledge to facilitate work in relation to planning approvals and acquisition/securing of land. A lateral and innovative thinker, an original problem-solver. Able to develop techniques to improve. Ability to identify those issues which will have significant impact on the business and to ensure that matters are resolved at the appropriate level. Exceptional negotiating and influencing skills; a confident and professional networker. A motivational team-leader focused on managing, coaching and developing the Land team to achieve their full potential. We offer: Competitive Bonus Scheme. Private Medical Cover - Family Cover. Annual Medical Health Assessment. 26 days’ holiday (increase by 1 day for every 3 years’ continuous service up to 29 days). We are building an organisation where anyone with drive and talent can pursue the career they want. We are building a culture where anyone, regardless of gender, race, age, sexuality, disability, background or any other characteristic, can progress and be proud to work for us.

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