Assistant Land Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Land ManagerContract Type: Permanent Salary: £46,521 Per Annum, plus £3,600 Car Allowance Working Hours: 37.5 hours per weekWorking Pattern: Monday to Friday, HybridLocation: Prospect Head Office, Liverpool If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.

Please note that whilst we will accept applications on the basis of any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.

The difference you will make as an Assistant Land Manager
As an Assistant Land Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the land team to identify, appraise, and secure residential development opportunities across the Northwest region. This position is ideal for someone looking to develop their career in land acquisition within a regional housebuilder, working closely with senior colleagues to deliver the company’s growth objectives. The role will involve sourcing both-mixed tenure and affordable-led housing schemes, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of both Prospect and its parent Riverside.

About you
We are looking for someone with:
• Degree in Property, Planning, Real Estate, or related discipline.
• Previous experience in land acquisition, property development, or estate agency 
• Strong understanding of UK planning system and development process.

Why Riverside?
At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives. 
We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.

Working with us, you’ll enjoy:
• Competitive pay & generous pension 
• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options available
• Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
• A wide range of benefits

Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside: 
We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues. 
Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.
This role also falls under our Ethnic Diversity guaranteed interview scheme. If you are Ethnically Diverse and demonstrate you meet the minimum criteria for the role you will be guaranteed an interview.  Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered

Role Profile• Land Identification & Acquisition
o Assist in sourcing and securing land opportunities suitable for residential development.
o Build and maintain relationships with landowners, agents, and other stakeholders.
o Support negotiations for immediate land purchases and longer-term option agreements.
• Site Appraisal & Due Diligence
o Undertake initial site assessments, including planning policy reviews and market analysis.
o Liaise with internal teams (planning, technical, commercial) to evaluate site viability.
o Prepare reports and recommendations for land acquisition approvals.
• Planning & Development Support
o Assist in preparing and submitting planning applications.
o Monitor local authority planning activity and emerging policies.
o Support the management of sites through the planning process, coordinating consultants
• Market & Competitor Analysis
o Research housing market trends and competitor activity in the region.
o Provide insights to inform land strategy and pricing decisions.
o Attend sector relevant conferences and networking events and feedback to the Land team 
• Administration & Reporting
o Maintain accurate records of land opportunities and progress.
o Prepare presentations and reports for internal meetings and board approvals.
o Present updates at weekly internal Land Meetings and prepare Minutes for circulation• Contractual and Legal Support
o Support contractual negotiations of purchase agreements, s.106, CIL and RP contracts 
o Commission and review title reports with external solicitors for new sites
o Prepare summaries of key contractual obligations and monitor adherence  
• Secure Affordable Housing Partners
o Appraise and confirm the affordable housing requirements for new sites
o Tender initial offers from RPs to support new bids
o Lead the contractual negotiation of sale purchase agreements with preferred partners
• Quality Management Systems
o Support the Head of Land to develop standardised quality management processes
o Champion the role out of new systems through the business
o Engage with and support other departments to ensure clear audit trails are maintained. Other Duties
• Undertake any other duties deemed required by the Managing Director or Head of Land to ensure the effective operation of the business.

Additional Information
• The role will be exposed to sensitive information; therefore, the role holder is expected to maintain levels of confidentiality at all times.
• In order to fulfil the requirements of this role, you will be required to work flexibly during the hours of operation. 
• The role holder is expected to be committed to equal opportunities and to promote non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of work undertaken and to follow the core values of the Riverside approach (see – “Our Riverside Way” summarised below).

Person specificationKnowledge, Skills and ExperienceEssential
• Degree in Property, Planning, Real Estate, or related discipline.
• Previous experience in land acquisition, property development, or estate agency 
• Strong understanding of UK planning system and development process.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Commercial awareness and analytical ability.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable with data analysis tools.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the North West region.

Desirable
• Evidence of continued professional development. 
• A member (or working towards becoming) of a professional body e.g. RICS qualified