Land Manager Land and Planning

Who we are:

Advance Northumberland is a diverse property investment & development business, delivering opportunities to improve prosperity, tackle inequalities and drive economic growth in support of Northumberland County Council.

Whether its support for new and developing businesses, the remediation of challenging brownfield sites, building of large-scale manufacturing units, delivering new purpose-built offices, delivery of major town centre redevelopments, including complex retail developments, leisure facilities or the delivery of high-quality market sale and affordable housing it can all be found in this unique regeneration company.

We work collaboratively with stakeholders and partners, delivering positive physical and economic development.  Focusing on the needs and aspirations of the county, addressing economic, housing and infrastructure challenges whilst capitalising on Northumberland’s significant assets and opportunities. We deliver a comprehensive regeneration capability to improve the County’s economic prosperity, regenerate communities, improve liveability and create a more connected and aspirational County.

In doing so, we will support a broader county-wide assets-based approach to promote economic growth and an improved quality of life for its communities. Building on the opportunities emerging from the Combined Authority initiatives to enhance its regeneration impact, taking its lead from Northumberland County Council, and working in collaboration with key partners.

Advance Northumberland Land and Planning team coordinate all of the groups Land purchase and planning application activities, ensuring a future pipeline of land to support our business plan ambitions.

We are now seeking a Land Manager (part time) to compliment the skills of the team, as we enter an exciting period of growth with our plans for the next decade.

OUR VALUES Our values are at the centre of our activities, linking to our vision to make Northumberland a wonderful place for people to live work and do business.

· Collaboration

· Accountability

· Respect

· Ambition

THE ROLE

Land Manager

Salary: Competitive Salary depending on experience

Role Purpose

The Land Manager will play a critical role in supporting Advance Northumberland’s development and regeneration objectives by leading on the identification, acquisition, optioning, and consenting of land across the county.

The post holder will proactively assemble deliverable sites, manage landowner and stakeholder relationships, and secure the necessary land interests and planning consents required to enable housing, employment, regeneration, and infrastructure projects. The role will work closely with development, planning, legal, and commercial teams to de-risk projects and ensure land is acquired and consented in a timely, value-for-money manner.

THE BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR US

We care about our colleagues and their wellbeing and have been nationally recognised for this. Apart from the competitive salary, we also have fantastic benefits. We focus on our colleague’s health, wealth, and lifestyle. We like to think our benefits package is one of the best around! Here is an example below on what you can expect.

Annual leave - Start with 26 days (pro rata), increasing to 31 days (pro rata) with service. Of course, you’ll have public holidays too!

Pension - Generous employer contributions of 8%. You pay 2%, although you can choose to pay more if you want.

Financial Benefits - Enjoy the security of free life assurance, an employee referral scheme (earning £1,000 per recruited referral), and our Cash plan App with discounts and cashback at top retailers. Free on-site parking at all locations.

Performance Related Incentive Scheme – subject to achievement of company and individual performance targets, annual incentive payable.

Wellbeing & Lifestyle Services - Access our colleague assistance programme with 24/7 support, GP services, mental health support and, dental and optical plus a range of other health therapies. We also have a cycle to work scheme and home electronics schemes, both of which are salary exchange, so you pay less National Insurance. We have extensive health campaigns from our award-winning Better Health at work team.

Motoring Benefits - Take advantage of exclusive employee vehicle-leasing schemes, through NHS Fleet.

Hybrid Working – We offer the capacity to work on a hybrid basis, with four days in the office / on site. Of course, initially you might be in the office more, whilst you get to know your colleagues and our activities in more detail.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a letter of application saying why you want to work for us and what you’d bring to the role, together with the completed application form Application Form.pdf to: workforus@advancenorthumberland.co.uk

For an informal discussion, please contact: Eddie Burton on 07742078973

Closing Date – 29th May 2026 at 10.00am

Interviews will be held on 5th June 2026

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you wish to withdraw your consent for us to process your application, please email us at: workforus@advancenorthumberland.co.uk

Role Profile and Person Specification

Job title: Land Manager

Reports to: Head of Land and Planning

Team members: n/a

Location: Wansbeck Workspace and other locations according to business needs

Role Purpose

The Land Manager will play a critical role in supporting Advance Northumberland’s development and regeneration objectives by leading on the identification, acquisition, optioning, and consenting of land across the county.

The post holder will proactively assemble deliverable sites, manage landowner and stakeholder relationships, and secure the necessary land interests and planning consents required to enable housing, employment, regeneration, and infrastructure projects. The role will work closely with development, planning, legal, and commercial teams to de-risk projects and ensure land is acquired and consented in a timely, value-for-money manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Land Identification & Site Assembly

· Identify potential development and regeneration sites aligned with Advance Northumberland’s business plan and local authority priorities.

· Undertake high-level site appraisals, including ownership constraints, planning policy context, title issues, access, and abnormal risks.

· Develop and implement land assembly strategies, including phased acquisition and collaboration with multiple landowners where required.

Land Acquisition & Disposal

· Lead negotiations for the acquisition of land and property interests, including freehold, leasehold, options, promotion, overage, and conditional contracts.

· Instruct and manage external advisers (agents, valuers, solicitors) to progress acquisitions efficiently and in line with governance requirements.

· Support disposals of land where appropriate, ensuring best consideration and alignment with wider development objectives.

· Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and best practice, including public sector governance requirements.

Consenting & Planning

· Lead the land and property aspects of the planning consent process, working closely with planning consultants and local authority officers.

· Support the promotion of sites through the Local Plan process, including preparation of landowner agreements and evidence submissions.

· Manage landowner inputs to planning applications, including legal agreements, certificates, and land referencing.

· Support negotiations relating to planning obligations, land-controlled infrastructure, and access arrangements.

Stakeholder & Landowner Management

· Build and maintain positive working relationships with landowners, developers, statutory bodies, and local stakeholders.

· Act as a key point of contact for landowners throughout acquisition and consenting processes, ensuring clear communication and expectation management.

· Represent Advance Northumberland in meetings and negotiations with external partners and public sector bodies.

Risk Management & Governance

· Identify and manage land-related risks including title defects, ransom strips, third-party rights, and viability impacts.

· Prepare and present reports, option appraisals, and recommendations for internal approvals and board-level decision making.

· Maintain accurate land and property records and contribute to land strategies and pipeline reporting.

Generic Requirements for all colleagues

· Contribute to the creation of a positive culture in line with Advance Northumberland values

· Show commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace and ensure this is reflected in all activities

· Ensure a safe working environment is promoted across the business

· Contribute to the financial performance of the business, in line with role responsibilities

· Undertake other reasonable duties as requested