Development Manager (Estates)
Local Authority in Essex
Interim, Full Time
£500-£600 per day (umbrella)
Location: Essex
A local authority in Essex is seeking to appoint a Development Manager (Estates) on an initial 3-6-month basis to support the Assistant Director of Estates. Please note this role requires a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.
The Estates Service has several immediate housing projects requiring an experienced individual who can move them forward at pace, providing strong design and project management expertise.
Role Purpose
Manage the design and development stages for major refurbishment and new-build schemes that improve the supply of affordable housing and enhance existing estates.
Work closely with the Development Commissioning Officer on bidding opportunities for regeneration and housing investment schemes.
Provide technical interpretation relating to building fabric, infrastructure, defects, significant repairs, replacements, and upgrades - contributing to strategic investment decisions including refurbishments, extensions, and new-build proposals.
Play an integral role in managing project delivery, ensuring all schemes meet quality, budget, and timeline expectations.
Act as Estates lead officer, collaborating with internal teams and providing progress reports to the Asset Review Board.
Key Responsibilities
Work collaboratively with Development and Regeneration teams, Housing Services and Corporate Estates to ensure successful delivery of priority housing projects.
Oversee the planning, execution and completion of building and development projects, acting as an informed client to manage external consultants from RIBA Stages 1-6, with Housing team input at Stage 7.
Assist with defining project scope and objectives alongside key partners and stakeholders, supporting feasibility and briefing stages.
Build and maintain strong professional relationships with stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and development partners.
Ensure all projects comply with relevant legislation, health and safety requirements and best-practice standards.
Manage key housing investment schemes, maintaining day-to-day relationships with regeneration and affordable housing providers.
Support the Assistant Director of Estates in service delivery, governance and achieving key objectives.
Lead engagement with developers from project initiation through to project closure, ensuring successful outcomes.
Key Skills & Experience Required
Professional qualification desirable: RICS / CIOB / RIBA.
Experience delivering large-scale property, reinvestment and building compliance programmes.
Strong understanding of planning and building control processes.
Knowledge of CDM 2015 regulations and construction-related issues including contract forms.
Skilled negotiator with understanding of construction and contract law.
Proven experience delivering construction, housing and regeneration projects.
Strong financial awareness and ability to manage and report on budgets