Strategic Land Buyer

Job Title:

Strategic Land Buyer

Location:

Essex

An opportunity has arisen with a well-established, privately owned residential developer with a long-standing track record of delivering high-quality, award-winning homes. The business is known for its collaborative approach, strong values, and commitment to sustainable development, working across both private housing and complex partnership‑led schemes. This is a key role within the land team, focused on securing a long‑term pipeline of residential development opportunities.

• Identify and secure strategic land opportunities for future residential development, primarily via option and promotion agreements.
• Coordinate land offers, including instructing and reviewing input from planning consultants, engineers, surveyors, and other specialists.
• Manage relationships with landowners, ensuring clear communication around planning progress, promotion strategy, and key milestones.
• Develop strong local market knowledge, including planning policy, housing delivery targets, and competitor activity.
• Work collaboratively with architects, engineers, and cost consultants to optimise layouts, manage risk, and maximise scheme viability.
• Prepare and present detailed land appraisals, financial models, and reports to support decision‑making.
• Support the wider land team and deputise for the Land Manager when required.

• A strong understanding of the UK planning system, planning policy, and spatial strategy.
• Good knowledge of local planning authorities and regional housing markets.
• Previous experience in a strategic land, land acquisition, or planning‑related role within a house builder, land promoter, consultancy, or local authority is highly desirable.
• Confident communicator with the ability to represent the business professionally with landowners, agents, and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills, with attention to detail in financial and technical assessments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Full UK driving licence.

This role offers the chance to play a pivotal part in shaping a long‑term land pipeline within a respected, values‑driven developer. You'll be given exposure to high‑quality sites, genuine responsibility, and the opportunity to progress within a stable, forward‑thinking organisation.

Interested? Please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment.