Land & Partnerships Manager
The company
From day one, Thakeham has been driven by a clear vision: to transform the way people think about new-built developments.
Over 20 years later, that ethos is still very much alive, reflected in our numerous awards and reputation in the sector. Today, Thakeham employs close to 250 people and has a forecasted revenue of £199 million in 2024/25.
An infrastructure-led community creator and strategic land promoter, Thakeham is committed to partnerships, innovation and creating amazing places to live and work. We are industry-leading in sustainability and biodiversity. We were one of the first to introduce Zero Bills homes in partnership with Octopus Energy.
We pride ourselves on our ‘Infrastructure first’ approach, ensuring communities release the benefits of new development at the outset, rather than later in the process. We deliver social, affordable and retirement housing for a wide range of housing associations and local authorities.
People are Thakeham’s most important asset, and this is reflected in the way we operate. We are proud to be listed in the Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For 2024.
Our people enjoy excellent rewards and working conditions in an exciting and growing business. We offer exciting career opportunities, and are keen to develop, guide and support our employees, regardless of what stage they are in their careers.
We value diversity and encourage people to bring their full authentic selves to work. A Gold Armed Forces Covenant signatory and supporter of armed force’s charity Building Heroes, Thakeham operates a Talent for Development outreach campaign for military veterans and college leavers.
Work and fun should not be mutually exclusive and Thakeham offers a range of social events such as quiz nights, BBQs and all staff parties. We run informal lunch and learns and take on charity challenges such as the Housebuilder Challenge. We encourage people to volunteer in their communities, offering two paid days per year to do so. Where roles allow, our summer hours policy in June, July and August allows people to enjoy longer weekends with their loved ones. A flexible approach to working is available all year round.
At Thakeham we build communities, together.
The department
We have a fantastic opportunity for someone to join our growing Partnership team. Our dedicated team works closely with clients, landowners, promoters, consultants and land agents to plan, progress and implement new projects.
We are looking for a Land & Partnership Manager to cover some of our operational areas; Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hants & Wilts, Berks, Bucks and Oxford.
The role
The role holder’s primary responsibilities will be
- Reporting to the Partnership Director and working alongside the Partnerships team to deliver the company’s Business Plan. More specifically to primarily deliver the revenue targets associated with securing new projects for Thakeham
- Identifying and bringing forward new land opportunities that would be of interest to our housing associations, single family housing providers and local authority clients
- Sourcing Land opportunities via promotion of the business directly to landowners, land agents and existing clients
- Occasionally working on opportunities for Thakeham’s own landbank
- Working with the Partnership team to promote to external partners the added value that Thakeham offers
- Attending meetings with individual RP’s across the South East to promote Thakeham plus review service delivery
- Demonstrating a clear understanding of how land deals can be concluded through the use of maximising any RP’s financial appraisal, red book, board approval process or value engineering their specification and employer’s requirements
- Overseeing the land sale through to an exchange of contracts
- Managing a database to record all key activity as projects move through key stages and milestones
- Participating in the sale of Thakeham Homes controlled sites (s106) to council and housing association partners. Primarily this will involve collating offer packs, seeking offers and working with solicitors to secure to execution of a Development Agreement
- Working closely with our Development Management team (Partnerships) and other internal stakeholders to deliver a competitive cost plan and when required a commercially acceptable build contract
- Occasional working with other members of the wider Thakeham team in promoting new JV opportunities and actively working on live schemes that lead to an exchange of contracts
- Participate in writing bid documents to support public sector tenders
- At all opportunities fully explain the Thakeham Partnerships ethos and detail the added value benefits that we can offer – zero carbon, BIM, BNG, ESG, standard house types
- Representing Thakeham at industry functions and conferences
- Using knowledge of local market and competitors to identify and develop the Company’s unique business proposition and differentiators
- Providing monthly/weekly reports to Partnership Director as directed
- Main operating areas will be as detailed above, but will be required to attend meetings or work on projects across other parts of the South
- Ensuring that the above tasks are delivered in accordance in compliance with existing systems and procedures
- Leveraging the Thakeham Strategic land bank as reciprocation for RP’s to bring to us new land opportunities that a build contract can be negotiated for Thakeham Partnerships
- Working with local authority housing and planning departments to secure desired outcomes for the business. This may involve seeking DPA waivers, variations to s106 and agree tenure mixes as part of s106 agreements
This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience.
The required skills
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel & Outlook)
- Excellent communication skills and confidence to liaise with people internally and externally
- Good attention to detail and organisational skills
- Effective time management skills
- Professional approach with high degree of discretion
- Willing to be flexible and get involved with a wide range of tasks
- Ability to work on own initiative and generate solutions
- Good working understanding of the planning system
- Good working understanding of construction contracts and other legal documentation such as title reports and sectional agreements
- The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate a track record in securing new land opportunities and managing these through an exchange of contracts.
- Ideally the applicant will have a business development background in the residential housing sector whether this be for Housing Associations, plc’s or private SME.
- Ideally be able to bring into the business a network of new and promoters and agents.
- Have an understanding of grant and the operations of Homes England
The benefits
- Competitive salary
- Car allowance
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Annual holiday allowance 26 days increasing to 27 after 3yrs service and 28 after 5yrs service (plus bank holidays)
- Life assurance
- Private medical insurance
- Health screening
- Pension scheme
- Bonus scheme
- Flexible working hours in a modern office environment / Working from Home Policy
- Excellent development and progression opportunities for the right candidate
- Company Social events
Plus a whole range of other employee benefits that we can tell you all about, our employees are rewarded for their performance, attitude and results.
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We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating people fairly. We will treat all job applicants and employees equally regardless of age, race, religious belief, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We welcome applicants from all sectors of society and we are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all.
