Development Project Director

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Development team as a Project Director. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a pivotal role within a vibrant and fast-paced environment. You will lead on current development projects, making a significant impact while contributing to an innovative team.

Key objectives:

• Manage and oversee the successful delivery of high profile, mixed-use projects in line with approved business objectives.
• Hold day to day responsibility for the management, co-ordination and driving of all aspects of the development process.

What you will be doing:

• Leadership of retail, leisure and commercial-led mixed use projects.
• Be accountable for all the associated disciplines necessary to progress and successfully deliver the project(s) within predetermined time frames, whilst achieving/exceeding the quality, performance and financial parameters.
• Contribute to the broader strategic objectives of development projects, alongside the wider URW organisation including construction, design, asset management and operations.
• Lead feasibility studies to identify the optimum use of sites or buildings taking full account of the specific circumstances, opportunities, constraints, the market, and wider URW business requirements.
• Prepare development appraisals and financial modelling to assess the viability of schemes, guide decision making and inform value engineering.
• Appoint, manage, and lead multi-disciplinary design teams through the design, planning and delivery stages of projects.
• Manage the risks on projects and advising on different risk mitigation and delivery strategies.
• Maintain ongoing communications with all stakeholders (both internal and external) to provide periodic updates on the progress against programme, financial viability and budgets, resolve issues that may compromise the project programme and viability, and respond quickly and professionally to questions, concerns, and requests for information.
• Identify any title or neighbourly matters and resolve through procuring appropriate legal advice and arranging the purchase of properties and rights.
• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, occupiers and adjacent owners and appropriately manage on-going communications related to the proposed development.
• Manage relationships with the Design and Construction Team to ensure construction projects are completed in a timely manner, designed according to plan and within budgetary guidelines.
• Work closely with the Operations and Leasing Teams to ensure the end product is appropriate for market and that operating budgets and relevant development assumptions in the financial model are accurate.
• Work closely with the Operations Team to accept units from construction on behalf of the Owner (including phased handover), ensuring a smooth transition and that all aspects of the project adhere to Company development standards and quality levels.
• Provide technical expertise and experience through the pre-development process across all projects.

What skills, experience, and knowledge will you need to be successful?

• Proven and demonstrable relevant post qualification experience gained working in property development, either at a developer, development manager or at a leading property consultancy and/or design engineering on major projects including retained structures and infrastructure.
• Member of the ICE, RICS, ARB or similar property related professional qualification (desirable).
• Depth of expertise in project management and delivery, combining knowledge of the construction and property market, with the technical and leadership skills needed to put together and deliver mixed use development schemes.
• A demonstrable track record of leading projects from inception, through design and planning and delivery.
• Comfortable preparing financial models in Excel.
• Up to date knowledge of a diversity of project types and building uses including retail, leisure, commercial and infrastructure, with an emphasis on London and major cities across the UK.
• Ability to strategically and diplomatically engage with at all levels both within the URW business and externally.
• Entrepreneurially minded, creative thinker with high intellectual curiosity.
• Strong understanding of ESG and its impact on the business.

Who are we?

At Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), we develop and operate a portfolio of sustainable, premium, mixed-use real estate assets across Europe and the United States. Driven by our purpose to Reinvent Being Together, we are committed to accelerating urban regeneration and rethinking how we live together in cities. There are already 2,000 of us working together to reshape the future of real estate and shopping centres by creating innovative and engaging spaces that redefine togetherness.

Why work for us:

We put people development and learning at the heart of what we do. We will help you master your role, build your technical skills, and take advantage of top-notch management and leadership programs. From face-to-face workshops to our global online learning resources, we encourage you to make learning a part of your daily routine. We offer a fantastic pension plan, bonus scheme, and plenty of other incentives. We also prioritise your health and wellbeing, training employees as mental health ambassadors to support and educate our team. Plus, you can sign up for medical and dental insurance, gym discounts, health check-ups, and more.

What Matters to Us:

Our purpose at URW is to Reinvent Being Together, re-imagining how people and communities come together, socialise, and enjoy dynamic experiences together in new unique ways. URW promotes equal opportunities and diversity of profiles, experiences, and skills. We believe that diversity plays a crucial role in our company's success, and we are committed to creating an environment that respects, values, celebrates, and leverages individual differences. We are dedicated to evaluating each new application without discrimination related to disability, age, gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristics. We aim to ensure fair and equal access to our services. If you need any adjustments for your interview, please let us know in advance. Join us and be part of a team that's making a real difference in your local communities!