At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead urban development projects and drive growth strategies across London and the South.
- Company: Buro Happold, a forward-thinking firm shaping urban environments.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a commitment to continuous development and flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on city-scale developments and transform urban spaces.
- Qualifications: Proven success in urban development and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At Buro Happold, we are shaping how cities evolve, connect, and thrive. We are seeking an Urban Development Director to drive our growth strategy across London and the wider South of the UK. Based in our London office near Old Street, this role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, with an expectation of being on-site 2–3 days per week to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. This senior role focuses 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
- Take ownership of major urban development pursuits and lead from strategy through to delivery.
- Leading work-winning activity: 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.
- Build and grow client relationships; develop long-term relationships with key stakeholders across public and private sectors.
- Identify and nurture strategic partnerships and collaborations; act as a trusted advisor to clients throughout the project lifecycle.
- Drive market strategy and pipeline growth: 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.
- Lead multidisciplinary collaboration: work closely with technical, commercial and business development teams; align delivery strategies to ensure profitable, high-quality outcomes; support the transition from bid-winning to delivery.
- Act as Project Director where required; maintain continuity from winning work through to delivery; ensure strong client outcomes and commercial success.
What success looks like
- This role is designed to build and accelerate growth in a structured way.
- 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
You are a credible, commercially focused leader with a strong track record in urban development and work winning. 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 with the ability to 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) with flexible holiday arrangements.
- Generous company pension scheme and flexible benefits including cycle scheme, dental insurance, optical cover, travel insurance, season ticket loans, and corporate discounts.
- Enhanced parenthood leave policies and a 3pm finish on the last Friday of the month.
- A strong commitment to continuous development through learning and development programmes; entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions.
- A supportive and inclusive environment with social and outreach activities; an international culture where career mobility is recognised.
Inclusion and accessibility
We value flexible working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those seeking flexibility. We are committed to representing diverse identities and backgrounds in the built environment and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply. If you require adjustments to the application process, please contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can support you.
Urban Development Director in London employer: Buro Happold Limited
At Buro Happold, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our robust learning and development programmes, alongside a generous benefits package that includes hybrid working arrangements, private medical insurance, and enhanced parental leave. Join us to make a meaningful impact on urban development while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and flexibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Urban Development Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and meet-ups to connect with people in urban development. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or be looking for someone just like you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and successes in urban development. This will not only impress potential employers but also give you confidence during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in shaping urban environments and leading multidisciplinary teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Urban Development Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Urban Development Director role. Highlight your experience in urban development and work-winning, and show how your skills align with what we’re looking for at Buro Happold.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful projects you've led. We want to see how you’ve influenced city-scale developments and secured high-value opportunities in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate clarity as much as creativity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buro Happold Limited
✨Know Your Urban Development Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in urban development, especially in the UK. Understand the planning and procurement models that are relevant to Buro Happold's projects. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in past projects. Highlight your ability to influence decision-makers and build strategic client relationships. This is crucial for a role that requires strong leadership and collaboration.
✨Craft Compelling Bid Strategies
Think about how you would approach developing bid strategies for major urban development projects. Be ready to discuss your ideas on shaping win themes and client propositions. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and understanding of the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Market Strategy
Familiarise yourself with Buro Happold's market positioning and growth plans. Prepare to discuss how you would identify priority clients and opportunities. Showing that you can contribute to their market strategy will set you apart from other candidates.
