At Buro Happold, we are shaping how cities evolve, connect, and thrive. As part of this ambition, we are seeking an Urban Development Director to play a key role in driving our growth strategy across London and the wider South of the UK. Based in our London office near Old Street, this role will combine strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery, with an expectation of being on‑site 2–3 days per week to collaborate with our multidisciplinary teams.
Shape the future of our cities
This is a senior leadership position focused on shaping major opportunities—from early‑stage positioning through to winning and delivering complex, multidisciplinary projects that transform urban environments. If you’re passionate about influencing city‑scale development and leading high‑impact pursuits, this is your opportunity to make a real mark.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll take ownership of major urban development pursuits and lead from strategy through to delivery. Key responsibilities include:
* Shape and secure high‑value opportunities in regeneration, mixed‑use developments, growth corridors and major campuses
* Develop compelling bid strategies, win themes and client propositions
* Lead tender processes, interviews and strategic pursuits
* Develop long‑term relationships with key stakeholders across public and private sectors
* Identify and nurture strategic partnerships and collaborationsAct as a trusted advisor to clients throughout the project lifecycle
* Identify priority clients and opportunities in line with business objectives
* Build and manage a robust pipeline aligned to UK+ cities growth plans
* Contribute to market positioning and visibility of our urban development offer
* Work closely with technical, commercial and business development teams
* Align delivery strategies to ensure profitable, high‑quality outcomes
* Support the transition from bid‑winning through to successful delivery
* Act as Project Director where required, maintaining continuity from winning work through to delivery
* Ensure strong client outcomes and commercial success
What Success Looks Like
First 6–12 months:
* Establish market positioning and a strong opportunity pipeline
* Convert early positioning into initial commissions and framework wins
* Secure early‑stage advisory and multidisciplinary work
Beyond Year 1:
* Deliver sustained revenue growth through matured opportunities
* Win and deliver major urban development commissions
* Build long‑term client relationships and repeat business
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings:
* Proven success in winning major urban development or regeneration projects
* Strong understanding of UK planning, procurement and development models, ideally with a technical background in transport planning
* Experience leading multidisciplinary bids and project delivery
* Ability to build strategic client relationships and influence decision‑makers
* Expertise in shaping bid strategies, pursuit planning and commercial positioning
* A collaborative leadership style that can align multiple stakeholders
What We Offer You
* Hybrid working arrangements
* Attractive salary and benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance and income protection
* 10% car allowance
* Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum (exclusive of bank holidays) and flexible holiday arrangements
* Generous company pension scheme
* Flexible benefits including cycle scheme, dental insurance, optical cover, travel insurance, season ticket loans and corporate discounts
* Enhanced parenthood leave policies
* 3 pm finish on the last Friday of the month
* A strong commitment to your continuous development—learning and development programme at every career stage
* Entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions
* Commitment to wellbeing through a comprehensive employee assistance programme and wellbeing activities; a supportive and inclusive environment with social and outreach activities from the Young Employees Forum to mentoring
* An international culture that meets you wherever your career takes you
Equal Employment Opportunity
Buro Happold values diverse perspectives and is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals who enjoy flexibility in their careers and those who feel underrepresented in the industry. We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. If you need adjustments to the application process, please let us know and we will support you.
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