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Head of Land
Location
Cheshire | South Manchester
Exceptional Package
Includes healthy salary, performance-related bonus and site-related benefits.
About the Role
Cognisant Search has been instructed to appoint a Head of Land on behalf of a privately-owned residential developer based in Cheshire.
- Backed by £34m+ in family equity alongside additional investment from a family office.
- Currently managing live residential developments with plans to deliver ~200 homes annually by 2030.
- Supported by an experienced board (including a former CEO and CFO of a major UK housebuilder) guiding long-term growth.
To drive the next growth phase, this business is seeking its first Head of Land, reporting directly to the owners. This role involves establishing and leading a Land function, with a focus on:
- Acquisition strategy.
- Securing residential opportunities across Greater Manchester and the wider North West.
The developer specialises in high-quality residential projects (50–100 units), adopting a disciplined, quality-focused approach to acquisitions, prioritising margin and long-term value over sheer volume.
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The Opportunity
The Head of Land will own the land acquisition strategy, locating, appraising, negotiating, and securing development opportunities regionally.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the land acquisition strategy.
- Source and secure residential development projects.
- Lead negotiations with landowners, agents, and promoters.
- Prepare appraisals and investment papers for board approval.
- Manage acquisitions through contract exchanges.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships within the North West land market.
- Establish systems and processes to support continuous growth.
Candidate Profile
Candidates should be commercially-minded professionals with a proven track record of acquiring residential development land in Cheshire and the North West.
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Ideal candidates include:
- Heads of Land / Senior Land Managers ready to take on leadership.
- Established Land Directors seeking more entrepreneurial environments.
Required skills and experience:
- Track record in securing residential land opportunities.
- Strong commercial judgement and appraisal capabilities.
- Extensive network of agents, landowners, and professional contacts.
- Ability to present opportunities with confidence.
- Focused commercial discipline (prioritise quality and long-term value over volume growth).
Why This Role?
This is an exceptional opportunity to build and pioneer a Land function from the ground up, reporting directly to owners and influencing the company’s future strategy.
- Ideal for professionals seeking greater influence, autonomy, and entrepreneurial challenge.
- A chance to help shape a growing residential development business.
For confidential discussions, please contact Dan Petrie at Cognisant Search.
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