Development Director

This is a strategic appointment to lead and deliver development and construction activities for a leading UK property developer that specialises in delivering development in partnership with large landowners. Tasked with full P&L responsibility, day to day operations and business strategy there is a plan to deliver 1,000 plus residential units in the UK over the next 3 – 4 years. Future schemes that are in pre-construction stage include a £90m new build residential project in Manchester.

With their Head Office based in London (West End), this position will oversee delivery of residential and mixed-use projects from project inception to completion. The candidate will be based in Manchester or London, will be expected to work flexibly and be a self-starter.

The Role:

The key scope of the role will include:

• Advising the board on the delivery of multiple development projects from concept through to completion.
• Managing Development Managers managing some of the smaller projects.
• Assisting with the sourcing and assessment of new development projects.
• Leading on the production of site development feasibility studies.
• Leading the development site acquisition due diligence and legal processes.
• Securing tenants for new development.
• Securing funding for development.
• Managing the planning team to secure consents.
• Devising development delivery programmes and managing and reporting progress against the programmes.
• Managing the legal process for all development documents (Agreement to Leases, Funding Agreements, Land Purchase Agreements etc).
• Managing the procurement and legal documenting of all required third party consultant, contractor and supplier services to facilitate the delivery of the developments.
• Securing all required statutory consents and third-party approvals and the delivery of developments in compliance with consents and all related conditions.
• The recording and management of all expenditure within approved budgets.
• Assisting with the reporting of actual performance against project appraisals.
• Managing the marketing team for developments and coordinating with development delivery works.
• Regularly reporting internally and to external development partners & funders on progress against programme, expenditure against approved budget and overall performance against the approved appraisal.
• The safe storing of all key project information to help facilitate the leasing and sale of developments
• The creation and implementation of risk mitigation strategies.
• Assisting in the strategic management of the business and its joint venture companies.

Background & Experience:

The candidate must have a construction or real estate related degree and/or a property/construction professional body qualification with a minimum of 10 years’ experience of the direct Development Management of schemes. The candidate must demonstrate the following core experience and knowledge:

• Design and procurement management and securing of statutory consents and third-party approvals
• Negotiation of funding agreements
• Negotiation of agreement to leases
• Strong technical knowledge of current design, procurement & construction technology
• Good understanding of the real estate development process and appreciation of investor/developer objectives/key drivers
• Good project financial management skills
• Management and leadership of teams
• Risk identification and pro-active management

Key personal strengths:

• Self-motivation with a positive attitude to lead and drive projects to be delivered in accordance with client objectives
• A team player able to lead through the example and respect
• Flexible and lateral thinking to deliver projects
• Attention to detail whilst also able to maintain high level strategic view of key issues
• Clear written and verbal analytical project reporting and communication skills
• Empathetic toward landowner partner requirements