Job Title: Strategic Land Buyer

Location: Essex

An opportunity has arisen with a well-established, privately owned residential developer with a long-standing track record of delivering high-quality, award-winning homes. The business is known for its collaborative approach, strong values, and commitment to sustainable development, working across both private housing and complex partnership-led schemes.

This is a key role within the land team, focused on securing a long-term pipeline of residential development opportunities.

The Role

As a Strategic Land Buyer / Manager, you will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and securing unconsented land opportunities to support the business's future growth. You will work closely with internal technical, planning, and commercial teams, as well as a wide range of external consultants, to promote sites through the planning process and maximise land value.

Key Responsibilities

Identify and secure strategic land opportunities for future residential development, primarily via option and promotion agreements. Coordinate land offers, including instructing and reviewing input from planning consultants, engineers, surveyors, and other specialists. Manage relationships with landowners, ensuring clear communication around planning progress, promotion strategy, and key milestones. Develop strong local market knowledge, including planning policy, housing delivery targets, and competitor activity. Work collaboratively with architects, engineers, and cost consultants to optimise layouts, manage risk, and maximise scheme viability. Prepare and present detailed land appraisals, financial models, and reports to support decision-making. Support the wider land team and deputise for the Land Manager when required.Experience, Qualifications & Skills

A strong understanding of the UK planning system, planning policy, and spatial strategy. Good knowledge of local planning authorities and regional housing markets. Previous experience in a strategic land, land acquisition, or planning-related role within a housebuilder, land promoter, consultancy, or local authority is highly desirable. Confident communicator with the ability to represent the business professionally with landowners, agents, and stakeholders. Strong analytical and organisational skills, with attention to detail in financial and technical assessments. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Full UK driving licence.Why Apply?

This role offers the chance to play a pivotal part in shaping a long-term land pipeline within a respected, values-driven developer. You'll be given exposure to high-quality sites, genuine responsibility, and the opportunity to progress within a stable, forward-thinking organisation.

Interested? If you're looking for a new challenge and want to be part of a forward-thinking consultancy, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)