Strategic Land Director

Wates Land & Development is seeking a Strategic Land Director to drive strategic its land acquisition activity and secure a high-quality portfolio that underpins long-term growth and profitability.

Reporting to the Operations Director – Land & Residential Investment, you will originate, appraise and secure complex residential land opportunities, often at pre-planning or raw land stage. You will apply expert judgement to balance risk, value and control.

This role plays a critical part in shaping land strategy, deploying capital effectively and ensuring each acquisition supports successful downstream delivery.

• Oversee land origination, appraisal and acquisition, securing high-quality sites across a range of complex residential opportunities.
• Structure and negotiate land transactions, including options, promotion and conditional agreements, delivering strong commercial outcomes and long-term value.
• Develop and implement the annual Residential land strategy.
• Provide authoritative advice on land valuation, legal structures and risk, with clear recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Prepare and present investment papers to Divisional Boards, Group Investment Committee and Group Board.
• Build and support a high-performing Land team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and delivery.
• Represent Wates externally, building trusted relationships with landowners, agents and advisers, and strengthening our reputation as a partner of choice.

This role suits an experienced land professional operating at Director level, with a strong track record of securing complex residential land opportunities beyond traditional housebuilding models.

You will bring:

• Expertise in UK residential land acquisition, including option, promotion and conditional structures.
• Strong commercial and financial judgement, with the ability to appraise land value, assess viability and manage risk at acquisition stage.
• Knowledge of land law and contracting, with confidence managing advisers and contractual considerations.
• The ability to communicate complex investment and risk matters clearly and effectively.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with experience securing favourable outcomes over extended deal cycles.
• Experience guiding and developing professional teams.