Position: Strategic Land & Planning Manager Reporting to: Managing Director Office location: Bristol, South West Region/Geographical remit: South West region including Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire Working arrangements: Flexible working between home, office and site About us/ What we offer: We are a leading South West of England regional residential developer with headquarters in Bristol. Privately owned, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and building the finest quality homes in some of the most desirable locations across the South West. As a regional business, we are most proud of our people; who set the culture and business ethos for our company. Day-to-day you will have real exposure to the Senior Management team including the Managing Director and we operate with an inclusive ‘open-door’ policy. Opportunity to work for an innovative and forward-thinking regional developer Operating with a ‘culture-led’ approach Champions of innovation, quality, and design Daily exposure to the Managing Director and Senior Management Team Offering a ‘blank canvas’ for our people to develop and grow – we are growing business Real career progression – this is the first hire into the ‘strategic land’ team A friendly and relaxed work environment – operating with an ‘open door’ policy Flexible working options About the role: Due to the continued growth and expansion and with an increased pipeline of work, we are looking to further strengthen our Land and Planning team with the appointment of an experienced Strategic Land and Planning Manager. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, to manage all aspects of strategic land function to ensure new opportunities are secured and existing projects are successfully promoted to facilitate the delivery of strategic land in line with companywide targets. About you: You will be an experienced Strategic Land & Planning Manager, Land Manager or Planner who has a background and demonstrable history of buying sites in the South West region. An extensive contact base and network across the South West of England region Excellent people and networking skills A proven track record in successfully promoting land through the planning system Individual who is ideally, either qualified to degree standard in a relevant subject such as Planning or Surveying or commensurate experience Sound geographical knowledge of the area Ability to work on own initiative, with the drive to take ownership of projects Articulate, clear and credible, and able to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment Able to communicate with a wide range of people, engender rapport and trust, and develop and maintain key contacts An excellent understanding of the planning system and planning policy at both local and national levels Familiarity with all legal and contractual aspects of the land process Exceptional negotiating and influencing skills; a confident and professional networker An innovative thinker, with the drive to seek out and pursue new development opportunities About the role day-to-day: Identify new strategic land opportunities through a range of methods such as examination of statutory development plans, housing land audits, potential change of use, liaising with agents and utilising an extensive contact base Negotiate terms and securing sites, including initial due diligence, formulating offers, managing the legal process and obtaining the necessary internal approvals in a timely and robust manner Oversee the promotion of the strategic land bank, appointing and managing external consultants (where required), and liaising with other internal functions including technical and sales Monitor the strategic land portfolio having regard to national and local planning policy to identify where opportunities/risks exist Assist in preparing planning applications/appeals Ensure landowners and their agents are kept fully updated on a regular basis Coordinate the viability process and agreeing land values with owners/agents Undertake community engagements as necessary What about the benefits package? Competitive Base Salary Competitive Bonus Scheme Car Allowance 45p per mile business mileage EV Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme Wellness Benefit Hub Company pension 25 Days Holiday Choice of flexible benefits including flexible working arrangements