JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:Strategic Land and New Business Manager (Business Development)DATE EVALUATED:

GRADE:

TEAM:Business DevelopmentDIRECTORATE:

LINE MANAGED BY:Development

Land & New Business Director

LINE MANAGES:N/A

SUMMARY OF POST:

The Strategic Land and New Business Manager is responsible to the Land and New Business Director for the effective identification and delivery of land and new business opportunities principally focusing on open market sites throughout the region. Sites will range from small sites of a few homes to large potential developments to support delivery of the challenging financial (profit) requirements of the Westco Business Plan as part of the Business Development Team. As a senior member of the Business Development Team this post-holder will also be required to work up and deliver significant new business outside of DCHs core activities diversification activities will include scoping new products for example market rent portfolios.

The post requires commercial acumen and excellent networking skills in order to identify and be competitive in securing land opportunities and deliver joint venture partnerships. A key skill will be the ability to close down a deal and see it through to contract in a timely way, with attention to detail and acute awareness of risk management and abortive cost control.

In particular the responsibilities are:1.Identification and acquisition of strategic and operational land for development across Somerset, Devon, West Dorset and Cornwall including major brown field allocations, strategic partnerships, open market and mixed use regeneration projects through a range of methods, e.g. examination of Statutory Development Plans, housing land audits, potential changes of uses, SHLAA, HCA/LA, private land owners, other developers, contact client base etc.

2.Negotiation of land acquisitions with either the land owner, the appointed agents or a JV partner with an ability to close down a deal and enter into contract.

3.Appraising all land for financial and commercial viability to meet the Business Plan objectives. This will include working with the Commercial Director and Commercial Managers, Affordable New Business Team and the Head of Sales and Marketing to secure signoff of the land appraisal pack.

4.Preparation of comprehensive land appraisal packs and reports for presenting to the appropriate approving panel, board and management team.

5.Undertake and manage all legal and planning negotiations (supported by the Planning Coordinator) specifically successfully working with LPAs and enablers to bring forward swift planning resolutions.

6.Management of all external consultants, including selection and appointment, and all internal departments to ensure the delivery of land to fulfil business plan requirements.

7.Implementation and management of land pipeline to ensure delivery of objectives on time.

8.Identify and deliver other diversification opportunities as required by the development strategy.

9.Provide an effective personal contribution as a senior member of the Business Development Team engendering a culture of team working.

10.Assist the Land & New Business Director and Commercial Director in the preparation of the business plan and accurate forecasting.

11.To ensure that risk management measures and approved financial parameters are achieved and adhered to.

12.Manage the Groups landbank of sites and properties including maintaining risk assessments.

DUTIES:

1.PROGRAMME DELIVERY AND OPERATIONS

1.1To identify, negotiate and deliver into contract land and other diversification opportunities in accordance with the Groups Business Plan, policies, procedures and financial regulations, within budget and to agreed profit margins, meeting the standards and requirements of statutory agencies and funders.

1.2Ensure all land acquisition, contractual and development risks are identified, effectively managed and that sound reporting processes set out in the procedures are followed and that all necessary approvals are obtained. Provide accurate and regular management information, reports and reviews to the relevant management team and boards.

1.3Implement approved land and property acquisitions and project manage the acquisitions and the disposal of land and property and ensure due diligence is satisfactorily completed in respect of internal and external consultation valuation, planning, funding, technical and legal issues for land being acquired.

1.4Review and where recommend for signature contractual documentation for land and property acquisitions and JV agreements.

1.5Ensure that there is effective communication, liaison and consultation with internal clients, Local Authorities, funders, financiers and business partners.

1.6Establish and maintain good contacts with estate agents, land owners, agents and consultants to facilitate the supply of development opportunities.

1.7Manage and coordinate appointed consultants on behalf of the Group to ensure that costs and land acquisition targets are maintained.

1.8Prepare budget information as required relating to landbanking activities.

2Evaluation and Policy

2.1Lead on the project evaluation of new opportunities and initiatives and ensure that risks are identified and assessed for presentation to and approval by the relevant management team and board.

2.2To lead on and ensure effective project management and delivery of new business opportunities, in accordance with reporting and Board requirements, in liaison with the Commercial Director on project costs, revenue and profit margin assumptions prior to hand over of the project to the Commercial Team.

2.3Support the Land & New Business Director in the formulation of landbanking and new business policies and procedures for implementation, adherence, monitoring and review on an annual basis.

2.4To support the Land & New Business Director and the Commercial Director in monitoring and performance managing partnership working with developers/contractors, consultants and local authorities.

3.STRATEGY & GOVERNANCE

3.1Assist the Land & New Business Director in the formulation and implementation of the development strategy with particular focus on landbanking and new business activities.

3.2Ensure that Boards and Committees are provided with regular reports on new business activities and that all necessary approvals are obtained and adhered to.

4.EXTERNAL LIAISON AND PROMOTION OF NEW BUSINESS

4.1To support delivery of new business in line with the Development Strategy and Business Plan and budgets

4.2To maintain a network of agents, contacts, consultants and advisors in the region

4.3To identify, develop and maintain high level relations and partnership working with developers, contractors, business partners, local authorities, LEPs, funders and other agencies.

5.STAFF MANAGEMENT

5.1Support and supervise staff in the department in accordance with Group procedures with an emphasis on excellent communication and teamworking.

6.GENERAL

6.1Adhere to and promote the Groups policies and procedures, with special attention being given to the Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety Policies. In particular to use any equipment in accordance with the instructions and any training provided and wear personal protective clothing and safety equipment as directed.

6.2Undertake any appropriate training as required by the Group.

Whilst this job description attempts to cover the main duties and responsibilities of the post it is not exhaustive. The post holder is therefore expected to undertake any other reasonable duties within their capabilities and the scope of the post as specified by their line manager. In such circumstances appropriate training will be provided.

Fundamental changes to the job description will only be made after consultation with the post holder(s).

Key points of Person Specification:

PERSON SPECIFICATION

NEW BUSINESS DIRECTORATTRIBUTESESSENTIALDESIRABLE

JOB KNOWLEDGE A sound knowledge of development processes for speculative residential property and of land contracts Current development and construction practices relating to residential development

A sound knowledge of planning law and planning processes

A sound knowledge of current Government Housing measures and initiatives Knowledge and experience of housing association development and current funding regimes and products

Ability to work within a small friendly but commercially driven team as well as with key partners including developers, contractors and LAs

Extensive experience of working in the property development sector at a senior level of responsibility

Experience of successful management of technical and professional staff and consultants

Experience of partnership working in the private development sector

Experience of assessing project risks and viability and delivering within agreed parameters Experience of writing and presenting complex reports to boards and management teams Ability to promote the Group, communicate and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders including Board members, local authorities, developers and residents

Good public presentation skills

Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills

Excellent commercial awareness and negotiating skills

Excellent numeracy and literacy skills

Experience of managing significant million+ budgets and programme delivery according to strict targets

Good IT skills and ability to carry out detailed project and financial appraisals Ability to successfully manage public consultation events

Experience of implementing and following new systems and processes

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS Degree level education and professionally qualified or equivalent experience

Professional qualification in housing/construction/property

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

A positive can do attitude

Leadership and teamworking qualities with ability to support staff to achieve consistently high results Ability to work under pressure and prioritise workload Ability to meet performance targets without prompting Confidence to deal with a wide range of people and to be assertive when necessary

Ability to continuously improve personal performance and support team and organisational performance

The will and ability to work collaboratively with others across operational areas and externally towards common objectives The ability to deliver innovative initiatives to support the Group strategy

Able to command respect of colleagues and external contracts

Realistic and demonstrable good judgement

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Possession of full driving licence

Willingness to travel throughout the area of operation as required and to attend seminars and meetings Willingness to work outside normal working hours when required