Land Director (Progression to Operations Director).
Establishing a New Regional Office.
Midlands.
A cash-rich, established housebuilder is setting up a new regional office to cover the wider Midlands, ahead of a planned future split into multiple regions. As part of this, they are appointing a Land Director as the first senior hire on the ground, with a clear progression into Operations Director as the platform develops.
This is a senior appointment focused on establishing the regional business rather than inheriting an existing one. Candidates with experience across the Midlands whether West, East or Central are all highly relevant.
The Role
The Land Director will be responsible for building the region’s land and development pipeline, establishing key relationships, and putting in place the foundations of a new operating business.
The role will evolve into an Operations Director position in due course, with responsibility for running the region, including team, commercial performance and delivery.
Key responsibilities include:
• Leading land acquisition, strategic land and partnership activity across the Midlands.
• Identifying, negotiating and securing development and joint venture opportunities.
• Establishing relationships with landowners, local authorities, housing associations and agents.
• Managing appraisals, viability, deal structures and contract negotiations.
• Working with planning, design and commercial teams to bring sites forward.
• Recruiting and building the regional team as the platform grows.
• Taking on full operational responsibility as sites progress into delivery.
What We’re Looking For
• A senior land background within a housebuilder, developer or residential-led business.
• Experience operating across the Midlands, or within one of its major sub-regions.
• A strong track record of securing and structuring residential development opportunities.
• Commercially astute with strong negotiation capability.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, growth-driven environment.
• An entrepreneurial, self-starting mindset.
Why Apply?
• Opportunity to take a lead role in establishing a new regional office.
• Clear progression from Land Director to Operations Director.
• Backing of a well-funded, fast-moving housebuilder with an active pipeline.
• Senior-level influence over strategy, growth and delivery across the Midlands.
If this aligns with your experience and career direction, a confidential discussion can be arranged.
Dan Petrie, Principal Consultant, Cognisant
07487 795148