Job Introduction
Development Manager – Land & Natural Resources
Introduction
Are you a strategic real estate professional with a passion for unlocking the potential of land assets? We are seeking an exceptional Development Manager to join our Land & Natural Resources team. This is a senior, high‑impact role focused on maximising asset value, shaping long‑term development strategies, and representing our organisation at a national level within the development industry.
If you thrive in complex planning environments, enjoy leading high‑performing technical teams, and want to influence the future of our strategic land portfolio, this opportunity offers challenge, autonomy, and industry visibility.
About the Role
As a Development Manager, you will take accountability for the planning, promotion, and delivery of strategic real estate projects across our national portfolio. You will lead and manage multi‑disciplinary teams, progressing sites through local Plan processes and planning applications, all while optimising value and identifying the most commercially effective exit strategies.
Your role will be central in driving innovation, strengthening our market presence, and ensuring our real estate pipeline is recognised as industry‑leading.
What You’ll Be Doing
In this role, you will:
1. Develop and deliver innovative strategies to maximise returns from real estate assets, including optimised exit strategies
2. Manage a diverse project portfolio at all stages of the planning cycle, driving enhanced planning status and value
3. Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and approval of investment spend for all development projects
4. Identify opportunities and risks across the development pipeline and implement mitigation strategies
5. Strengthen engagement with the wider development industry, ensuring our projects and capabilities are highly visible
6. Maintain strong connections with Estates Managers and Managing Agents to identify future development opportunities
7. Lead teams of technical consultants, ensuring quality, consistency, and value for money
8. Represent the organisation with communities and key external stakeholders, including housebuilders, local authorities, and national bodies
9. Mentor and support Land Development Surveyors within the team
Key Competencies
We are looking for an individual with:
10. Deep, practical experience in assembling, leading, and managing teams of specialist professionals
11. Proven success in securing planning consents and site allocations, including those with complex histories and planning challenges
12. Comprehensive understanding of the UK planning system and its political influences
13. Strong commercial acumen and experience generating value through strategic property development
14. Leadership experience on major development projects, including land assembly
15. Expertise in financial matters associated with property development
16. Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills across internal and external audiences
The Ideal Candidate
You will be a strategic thinker with exceptional leadership and relationship‑building capabilities. You’ll bring credibility, confidence, and the ability to influence at senior levels across both the public and private sectors.
The ideal candidate will:
17. Have a track record of delivering complex planning outcomes and maximising land value
18. Be politically aware, commercially focused, and highly skilled in navigating planning and development landscapes
19. Display strong communication, negotiation, and consultancy leadership
20. Thrive in a national role with diverse stakeholders and project demands
Qualifications & Experience
To be successful in this role, you will need:
21. A degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., planning, real estate, land management)
22. Chartered status with an appropriate professional body
23. Comprehensive knowledge of real estate management, planning regulation, and development processes
24. Demonstrable leadership experience in land and property development environments
Why Tarmac?
You’ll be joining a collaborative, innovative team.We offer opportunities to grow, take ownership, and work on impactful projects across our organisation and the broader CRH Group.
Ready to build your future with us?
In addition to the role of Development Manager, we also offer an extensive range of career development opportunities and industry-leading rewards, incentives and benefits including:
25. Bonus scheme
26. Enhanced holiday entitlement
27. Contributory pension scheme
28. Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
29. Access to our Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice
30. Access to join our Employee Communities (employee networks) we currently have nine communities inc.(REACH) Religious, Ethnic, Cultural Heritage, LGBTQ+, Parents & carers, Ability, Wellbeing, Female voice and menopause
31. Training and development opportunities