At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead urban development projects and shape the future of cities across the UK.
- Company: Buro Happold, a forward-thinking firm dedicated to urban evolution.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a commitment to professional growth and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on city development and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in urban development, strong leadership, and strategic relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
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 collaborations
- Act 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.
Urban Development Director in London employer: Buro Happold
Buro Happold is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, we empower our Urban Development Directors to shape the future of cities while enjoying a supportive and inclusive culture. Join us to make a meaningful impact on urban environments and advance your career in a company that values diverse perspectives and prioritises wellbeing.
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, seminars, and workshops where you can meet key players in urban development. Don't be shy—introduce yourself and share your passion for shaping cities!
✨Tip Number 2
Leverage social media to showcase your expertise. Share articles, insights, and your thoughts on urban development trends. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also attracts the attention of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and initiatives. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in regeneration and mixed-use developments.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It shows you're genuinely interested and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
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 to highlight your experience in urban development and regeneration projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As an Urban Development Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Use your application to share examples of how you've successfully managed projects and influenced decision-makers in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out. Avoid jargon unless it's industry-specific and relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of our cities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buro Happold
✨Know Your Urban Development Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the latest trends and challenges in urban development. Familiarise yourself with Buro Happold's recent projects and their impact on city evolution. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Craft Compelling Bid Strategies
Prepare to discuss how you would develop bid strategies and win themes for major urban projects. Think about specific examples from your past experience where you successfully led similar initiatives. Being able to articulate your approach will demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership skills.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
Networking is key! If possible, connect with current or former employees of Buro Happold on LinkedIn. Understanding their culture and values can give you insights that will help you tailor your responses and show that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Leadership Style
Be ready to share examples of how you've aligned multiple stakeholders in previous projects. Highlight your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and how you’ve navigated complex relationships. This will resonate well with their emphasis on collaboration and strategic partnerships.
