Land Acquisition & Development Director

Duval Associates Ltd - Permanent Recruitment Specialists; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment company in the UK is looking for a Pre-Construction Director to lead projects through planning phases. This senior role requires expertise in problem-solving and navigating complex planning regulations. The successful candidate will have a strong background in construction and stakeholder engagement. Attractive salary range of £100,000 - £120,000 plus an excellent negotiable package is offered. Join a dynamic SME environment where innovative solutions are valued.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in pre‑construction leadership with expertise in planning permissions.
• Strong background in construction planning, bid management, and design coordination.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to balance commercial and regulatory goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy for securing planning approvals across multiple projects.
• Direct the pre‑construction team for successful project delivery.
• Represent the business in planning meetings and stakeholder negotiations.

Skills

Pre-construction leadership

Planning permissions

Construction planning

Problem-solving

UK planning law knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Duval Associates Ltd - Permanent Recruitment Specialists provided pay range

This range is provided by Duval Associates Ltd - Permanent Recruitment Specialists. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from Duval Associates Ltd - Permanent Recruitment Specialists

Recruitment Director : Sales & Marketing | Operations & Technical | Accounts & Finance | Executive Search

Land Acquisition & Development Director - MRICS - SME - No messing.

Opportunity hunter required (rare opportunity - there is real desire and deep pockets round the corner)

Negotiable salary - £100,000 - £120,000 plus excellent negotiable package (Plus uncapped bonus)

construction & property developer - a dynamo! No corporate mentalities please - game changing solution based agile developer!

We need a planning specialist - pre construction -a professional, with entrepreneurial mind set but extensive experience with a planning legend and who can take an initial enquiry on land all through planning.

(An In house role working with a dynamic leadership team in an SME- this is not a corporate role)

Role Overview:

The Pre-Construction Director is a senior leadership role responsible for steering projects through the critical pre-construction (planning challenges) phases, with a particular focus on navigating and resolving complex planning permission challenges. Acting as the ultimate problem solver, this role ensures that all regulatory, design, and stakeholder requirements are addressed before construction begins, positioning projects for smooth delivery and long-term success.

Please remember - this is a problem solvers role with incredible solutions and navigating complex planning challenges for an In-house SME

Key Responsibilities:

• Opportunity hunting
• Planning Permission Problem-Solving
• Lead the strategy for securing planning approvals across multiple projects.
• Act as the key liaison with local authorities, planning consultants, and regulatory bodies.
• Anticipate obstacles in planning applications and develop creative, compliant solutions.
• Resolve conflicts between design intent, planning regulations, and community concerns.
• Leadership & Coordination
• Direct the pre‑construction team, including estimators, planners, bid managers, and design coordinators.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure designs meet planning requirements.
• Report directly to the Managing Director/CEO, providing updates on planning progress and risks.
• Identify potential planning risks early and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure projects are financially and legally viable before handover to construction teams.
• Drive value engineering and sustainable solutions that align with planning frameworks.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement
• Represent the business in planning meetings, public consultations, and stakeholder negotiations.
• Present proposals and strategies to clients, investors, and boards with clarity and confidence.
• Build strong relationships with local communities to support planning approvals.

Skills & Experience

• Proven track record in pre‑construction leadership, with expertise in planning permissions and regulatory compliance.
• Strong background in construction planning, bid management, and design coordination.
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills, with the ability to balance commercial goals and regulatory requirements.
• Skilled communicator, able to influence local authorities, stakeholders, and clients.
• Knowledge of UK planning law, building regulations, and sustainability standards.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on leadership experience in complex projects.

Reporting Line

• Reports to: Managing Director / CEO

Speak to Jasmine & Iain for more info

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Industries

Construction

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