Cobalt is working with a privately backed property and development business delivering large-scale residential and mixed-use schemes across the Midlands. This is a senior leadership role, taking end-to-end responsibility for complex development projects from early-stage planning through to completion and handover.
The business is an active UK developer with a growing residential pipeline and a long-term investment horizon. It operates in a hands‑on, client‑side environment, with close collaboration between land, development, technical and commercial teams, and regular reporting into an international head office.
The role
As Head of Development Projects, you will take strategic ownership of major residential and mixed‑use developments, acting as the senior client representative and leading multidisciplinary teams from pre‑planning through construction and completion.
Key responsibilities include:
* Leading the planning application process, including environmental, technical and statutory requirements.
* Overseeing Section 106 negotiations, CIL contributions and associated legal agreements.
* Directing pre‑planning strategy, technical due diligence and infrastructure delivery.
* Acting as client lead in support of external housebuilders, consultants and contractors.
* Owning and governing the master development programme from pre‑construction through to handover.
* Leading risk‑based programme assessments, time impact analysis and mitigation planning.
* Working closely with land teams on the technical and delivery analysis of potential acquisitions.
* Ensuring alignment between programme, procurement strategy, sustainability objectives and contractual obligations under NEC or similar forms.
* Providing clear, data‑driven reporting to senior stakeholders and international headquarters across technical, operational and executive forums.
Skills and experience required
* Senior‑level experience leading residential or mixed‑use development projects in a client‑side role.
* Strong technical background, with training or qualifications in construction, architecture or civil engineering.
* Working knowledge of highways, drainage and infrastructure‑led residential delivery.
* Proven experience managing large, low‑rise residential schemes from planning through delivery.
* Background within a developer or housebuilder environment, or a consultancy with deep residential exposure.
* Excellent stakeholder management, reporting and analytical skills.
Desirable
* Fluency in Spanish.
* Experience delivering brownfield or change‑of‑use residential schemes.
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