Land Director

Burlington Developments is a rapidly growing and successful Property Development Company based in South East London.  We now wish to expand the existing team and are looking to recruit a Land Director to manage the site sourcing, identification and land acquisition programme.  Two Land Finders are currently responsible for site identification, the successful candidate will then be required to complete feasibility/viability assessments in conjunction with the team, which comprises a further two Land Buyers.  Closing of deals is also a key element to the role.  The successful candidate will have a proven track record of sourcing, valuing and buying land and will be able to lead the site acquisition process, agree the purchase strategy and procure the technical and legal team to progress site acquisitions and options from initial sourcing through to legal exchange/completion preparing the necessary reports and due diligence along the way.  You must also be an ambitious and self-motivated individual capable of unlocking value through the planning process, and co-ordinate and lead teams of professionals to achieve Burlington Developments goals.

Key Responsibilities:

* To manage the team responsible for the sourcing, identification, negotiation and acquisition of land.

*  To use their own network to source investment and development opportunities.

* To ensure that the existing site pipe line of predominantly off market sites is managed effectively.

* To negotiate cost effective land acquisition deals with land owners, ensuring deals are within agreed budgeted and forecast requirements.

* To apply specialist knowledge and expertise when overseeing the appraisal and valuation of recommended development sites.

* To appoint and then liaise with suitably qualified architects, planning consultants and other members of the professional team to obtain clear feasibility layouts for them to be agreed with Managing Director.

* To work with the Land Acquisition team and architects to deliver optimum layout by carrying out detailed land appraisals as necessary.

* To build investment cases for potential acquisitions, including the undertaking of feasibility reports and to produce development appraisal to ensure complete and accurate land valuation.

* Prepare comprehensive land reports, proposals for purchase and handover reports as and when required by the Development Director.

* To oversee and assist the individual currently responsible with the preparation and co-ordination of planning applications, liaising with the appropriate local authorities as well as monitoring application progress and managing the appeals process, as necessary.

* To continually carry out detailed market research and analysis, keeping up-to-date on market forces to aid the decision-making land acquisition process.

* To consult fully with the Managing Director in respect of appraisal sales price and rate assumptions included within development appraisals.

* To foster good and lasting professional relationships with land owners, development agents, local authorities and consultants.

* To manage the Land and Acquisitions team and to ensure that all leads for potential development sites are assessed. 

* To manage transactions from source through to completion

*  To support the Managing Director as necessary.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for:

*  Ensuring the Managing Director is fully informed of potential development opportunities      and alternative appraisals.

*  Ensure effective communication with team members & external contacts.

*  Assisting the development of the team and maintaining their professional knowledge and competence.

Skills:

* Sound technical knowledge and understanding of development constraints and their likely financial effect on land values.

* IT literate and fully conversant with land appraisal techniques and models.

*Highly numerate and able to run development appraisals.

* A positive and hands-on manager capable of working on own initiative but also with the ability to lead a growing team.

* Excellent communication skills are essential to ensure valued and lasting relationships are built with land owners and professional consultants.  The ability to close deals is essential.

* An understanding  of the Planning System, including local and national planning policies is essential.

* A proven track record of identifying, negotiating and securing residential sites.