Land Manager

Dandara; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to £75,000

Car Allowance

Competitive bonus scheme

33 days holiday (incl. bank holidays)

Private Medical Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Health Hero digital doctor — 24 hr

Health Assured Wisdom App

Competitive parental leave

3× salary life assurance (up to 4×)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Pension matched up to 5%

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Dandara is launching a Western region and seeks an ambitious Land Manager to shape its success from the ground up. You will identify, secure, and deliver residential opportunities across the Western region, guiding schemes from identification to acquisition and planning while collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders.

You will influence strategy, contribute to regional growth, and develop into a senior leadership role as the business expands.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in land acquisition within housebuilding or development.
• Strong understanding of the planning system, local policy, and market dynamics.
• Well-established relationships with local authorities and agents in the region.
• Commercially astute with strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Highly organised, proactive, able to manage multiple opportunities under pressure.
• Innovative in problem-solving with cost-effective solutions.
• Ambitious with a clear desire to progress into a senior leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure residential development opportunities through networks, agents, and direct approaches.
• Undertake site appraisals including build cost analysis, market research, and planning policy review.
• Negotiate land acquisitions including options, promotions, and joint ventures.
• Work with legal teams on purchases, leases, and development agreements.
• Manage external consultants and advisers.
• Collaborate with technical teams to ensure viable design solutions.
• Represent Dandara in meetings with local authorities, stakeholders, and community groups.
• Contribute to land promotion opportunities as the region grows.
• Develop a strong regional land pipeline.

Skills

Land acquisition

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Organisation

Problem solving

Education

RICS qualification desirable

Job description

About Us

At Dandara, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe the best ideas come from collaboration, and we’re passionate about creating a workplace where innovation, integrity, employee voice and customer focus thrive. By joining us, you’ll be part of a forward‑thinking team, driving meaningful change and helping to build vibrant communities.

The Role

Dandara is launching an exciting new Western region, creating a unique opportunity for an ambitious Land Manager to play a key role in shaping its success from the ground up. This is more than just a land role—it’s a chance to build your career alongside a growing regional business, with clear progression into senior leadership as the region matures. As Land Manager, you will be instrumental in identifying, securing, and delivering residential development opportunities across the Western region. Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, you’ll take schemes from initial identification through to acquisition and planning, helping to establish a strong pipeline for the region.

This role offers real scope to influence strategy, contribute to regional growth, and develop into a more senior position as the business expands.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and secure residential development opportunities through networks, agents, and direct approaches
• Undertake site appraisals, including build cost analysis, market research, and planning policy review
• Negotiate land acquisitions, including options, promotions, and joint ventures
• Work closely with legal teams on agreements including purchases, leases, and development agreements
• Manage and coordinate external consultants and advisors
• Collaborate with technical teams to ensure commercially viable and efficient design solutions
• Represent Dandara in meetings with local authorities, stakeholders, and community groups
• Support the development of a strong regional land pipeline
• Contribute to land promotion opportunities as the region grows

About You

• Proven track record of acquiring and progressing residential sites through planning
• Strong understanding of the planning system, local policy, and market dynamics
• Well‑established relationships with local authorities and agents in the region
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in land acquisition within housebuilding or development
• Commercially astute, with strong analytical and negotiation skills
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple opportunities under pressure
• Innovative in problem‑solving, with a focus on cost‑effective solutions
• RICS qualification desirable but not essential
• Ambitious, with a clear desire to progress into a senior leadership role

Why Join Dandara?

• £Salary up to £75,000 depending on experience
• Car Allowance
• Competitive bonus scheme
• 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Health Hero digital doctor – 24 hr virtual help and appointments
• Health Assured Wisdom App
• Competitive parental leave
• 3× salary life assurance (paid option to increase to 4×)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employer matched pension scheme of up to 5 %
• Flexible benefits including shopping vouchers, airport parking and reduced gym membership