A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Development Manager to join a leading UK housebuilder and regeneration specialist. Based in East London, this is a key leadership role for a commercially astute and delivery-focused professional with a strong background in residential development.
You will play a central role in managing complex schemes from early acquisition through to planning, legal, and delivery stages—ensuring developments are viable, compliant, and delivered on time and to budget.
Package & Benefits
* Basic Salary to £90k
* Travel Allowance
* Private Healthcare
* Pension Scheme
* Performance Bonus
* 25 Days Annual Leave (plus bank holidays)
* Excellent long-term career progression and development opportunities
Key Responsibilities
* Support the Land and New Business teams in early-stage development planning and, where appropriate, lead on land acquisitions or renegotiations.
* Identify and address key development issues pre-purchase, coordinating with internal teams to ensure a smooth transition into project delivery.
* Lead the early handover of development sites to the full project team.
* Agree and manage construction budgets and delivery programmes, regularly reviewing progress against development checklists.
* Maintain accurate development budget data using internal appraisal systems.
* Liaise with Legal, Technical, and external Solicitors to ensure timely completion of:
* Conveyance plans
* Section 38/104 agreements
* Open space agreements
* Wayleaves/easements
* Freehold transfers
* Ensure compliance with ISO9001 and contribute to environmental and sustainability targets.
* Submit Post Investment Reviews and support the completion of Project Close Out Reports.
* Actively manage development programmes, identify risks early, and resolve issues to prevent delays.
* Undertake land appraisals and maintain up-to-date project data for reporting and budget monitoring.
* Prepare internal approval documentation, including risk registers, and ensure full audit trail compliance.
* Appoint and manage external legal advisors and consultant teams (architects, engineers, etc.).
* Oversee planning application submissions and manage pre-construction technical information.
* Coordinate supporting surveys, reports, and assessments to facilitate planning and design.
* Foster strong communication between internal teams and external partners to ensure effective project delivery.
* Represent the company professionally at client meetings, planning consultations, and with external stakeholders.
* Evaluate new development opportunities and prepare feasibility studies and offer documents.
* Actively network and build client relationships to help secure future business.
* Support a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across teams.
Candidate Profile
* Extensive experience in residential or mixed-use development, ideally within housebuilding or regeneration.
* Strong understanding of planning, land acquisition, legal frameworks, and construction processes.
* Proven ability to lead projects from inception through delivery with commercial focus and attention to detail.
* Skilled in contract negotiation, land appraisals, and financial modelling.
* Excellent communication, organisational, and team coordination skills.
* Relevant qualifications in development, construction, real estate, or planning.