Development Manager (Partnerships)

From day one, Thakeham has been driven by a clear vision: to transform the way people think about new-built developments. Over 20 years later, that ethos is still very much alive, reflected in our numerous awards and reputation in the sector. Today, Thakeham employs close to 250 people and has a forecasted revenue of £199 million in 2024/25. An infrastructure-led community creator and strategic land promoter, Thakeham is committed to partnerships, innovation and creating amazing places to live and work. We are industry-leading in sustainability and biodiversity. We were one of the first to introduce Zero Bills homes in partnership with Octopus Energy. We pride ourselves on our ‘Infrastructure first’ approach, ensuring communities release the benefits of new development at the outset, rather than later in the process. We deliver social, affordable and retirement housing for a wide range of housing associations and local authorities.

People are Thakeham’s most important asset, and this is reflected in the way we operate. We were proud to be listed in the Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For 2024. Our people enjoy excellent rewards and working conditions in an exciting and growing business. We offer exciting career opportunities, and are keen to develop, guide and support our employees, regardless of what stage they are in their careers. We value diversity and encourage people to bring their full authentic selves to work. A Gold Armed Forces Covenant signatory and supporter of armed force’s charity Building Heroes, Thakeham operates a Talent for Development outreach campaign for military veterans and college leavers. Work and fun should not be mutually exclusive and Thakeham offers a range of social events such as quiz nights, BBQs and all staff parties. We run informal lunch and learns and take on charity challenges such as the Housebuilder Challenge. We encourage people to volunteer in their communities, offering two paid days per year to do so. Where roles allow, our summer hours policy in June, July and August allows people to enjoy longer weekends with their loved ones. A flexible approach to working is available all year round. At Thakeham we build communities, together.

This role will be located within the Thakeham Pre Development Team and specifically with the Partnership Development Management department, where you will work with other Development Managers and Pre-Development roles in the business. The majority of your time will be spent working for Thakeham Partnerships. This is the contracting side of the business that builds for our public sector clients e.g. councils and registered providers. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic team member with sound knowledge of construction, technical, engineering and the planning processes to take projects through the pre-development process from Heads of Terms up to the point where construction works commence onsite.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the internal project team, to take projects forward from early stages through to start on site.
• Co-ordinate the planning, commercial, design, construction, technical and engineering departments to ensure that information is provided to the clients in a SMART format.
• Be the focal point between Thakeham departments and the client.
• Oversee the delivery of planning applications with the wider team.
• Communicate effectively with housing association clients, local authority and third parties such as employers agents.
• Attend / lead external meetings, from a Thakeham perspective, with clients / consultants / local authorities and other stakeholders.
• Help to coordinate and review key construction, technical and engineering cost data that feeds back into cost plans and appraisals.
• Challenge costs where required.
• Coordinate pre-development programmes and work with the team to deliver projects to defined timescales.
• Support the land and business development team with their work on winning new business.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures and uphold the Thakeham brand in all company dealings.

This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience.

The required skills:

• Excellent knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel & Outlook).
• Excellent communication skills and confidence to liaise with people.
• Good attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Professional approach with high degree of discretion.
• Willing to be flexible and get involved with a wide range of tasks.
• Ability to work on own initiative and generate solutions.
• Good understanding of the planning system.
• Good understanding of construction contracts and other legal documentation such as title reports and sectional agreements.
• Ideally the applicant will have a residential housing background.
• Understanding of the JCT build contract and Employer’s Requirements would be useful.
• The ability to review and challenge budgets.
• The ability to review programmes.
• Knowledge of Asta Powerproject would be advantageous.

The benefits:

• Salary sacrifice car scheme.
• Annual holiday allowance 26 days increasing to 27 after 3 years service and 28 after 5 years service (plus bank holidays).
• Life assurance.
• Private medical insurance.
• Health screening.
• Flexible working hours in a modern office environment / Working from Home Policy.
• Excellent development and progression opportunities for the right candidate.
• Company Social events.
• Plus a whole range of other employee benefits that we can tell you all about, our employees are rewarded for their performance, attitude and results.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating people fairly. We will treat all job applicants and employees equally regardless of age, race, religious belief, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We welcome applicants from all sectors of society and we are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all.