Development Director - Manchester

Development Director - Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
C

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead major Build-to-Rent developments in Manchester and the North West.
  • Company: Well-capitalised international real estate investor and developer.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape sustainable communities.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on regional housing while championing sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 8-12+ years in residential development.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work autonomously with strong commercial judgement.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Capstone Recruitment is working exclusively with a well-capitalised international real estate investor and developer to appoint a Development Director / very Senior Development Manager to lead its Manchester and North West Build-to-Rent platform. Backed by long-term institutional capital, the business is scaling a significant UK residential portfolio and is now seeking a senior development professional to take full regional ownership of major schemes in the North West.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the end-to-end development of major Build-to-Rent schemes across Manchester and the wider North West.
  • Act as the senior regional representative, managing local authorities, consultants, partners, and key stakeholders.
  • Take ownership of technical due diligence on new development opportunities, working closely with legal and investment teams.
  • Drive schemes through pre-planning, planning, and delivery, managing professional teams and external consultants.
  • Oversee forward-funded and joint venture structures, ensuring projects are delivered on programme, budget, and quality.
  • Work closely with the investment team on development appraisals, financial modelling, and viability assessments.
  • Champion sustainability and ESG principles across all developments.
  • Contribute to the strategic growth of a long-term UK Build-to-Rent platform, with a particular focus on regional cities.

Qualifications

  • Degree qualified in Surveying, Property, Construction, Architecture, or a related discipline.
  • Typically 8–12+ years’ experience in residential development, with exposure to large-scale schemes.
  • Strong track record delivering complex BTR, PRS, or major residential developments, ideally in Manchester or the North West.
  • Comfortable operating autonomously with strong commercial judgement and stakeholder presence.
  • Deep technical knowledge across planning, construction, procurement, and building regulations.
  • Experience working with institutional capital, forward-funding, or joint venture structures is highly advantageous.

Development Director - Manchester employer: Capstone Property Recruitment

As a leading international real estate investor and developer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment in Manchester that encourages innovation and professional growth. Our commitment to sustainability and community engagement, combined with competitive benefits and a collaborative culture, makes us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the Build-to-Rent sector. Join us to lead transformative projects while enjoying opportunities for career advancement and a supportive team atmosphere.
C

Contact Detail:

Capstone Property Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Development Director - Manchester

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend local events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in your field. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.

✨Showcase Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your experience in residential development and your knowledge of the Manchester market. Share specific examples of projects you've led to demonstrate your capabilities.

✨Prepare for Interviews

Do your homework on the company and its projects before any interview. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and ESG principles. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their vision.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us can sometimes give you an edge, as we’re always looking for passionate candidates who fit our culture and values. Plus, it’s super easy!

We think you need these skills to ace Development Director - Manchester

End-to-End Development Management
Stakeholder Management
Technical Due Diligence
Project Delivery
Financial Modelling
Development Appraisals
Sustainability Principles
ESG Principles
Residential Development Experience
Planning Knowledge
Construction Knowledge
Procurement Knowledge
Building Regulations Knowledge
Commercial Judgement
Autonomous Operation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Development Director role. Highlight your experience in residential development, especially any large-scale Build-to-Rent projects you've worked on. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role and how your skills can help us grow our Build-to-Rent platform in Manchester. Keep it engaging and relevant!

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your successes in previous roles, like how you managed budgets or delivered projects on time. We love seeing results that speak for themselves.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Capstone Property Recruitment

✨Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the major Build-to-Rent schemes you’ve worked on. Be ready to discuss specific projects, your role in them, and how you navigated challenges. This shows your depth of experience and gives you a chance to highlight your successes.

✨Understand the Local Landscape

Familiarise yourself with Manchester’s property market and local authorities. Being able to discuss recent developments, planning policies, and key stakeholders will demonstrate your commitment to the region and your ability to manage relationships effectively.

✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge

Brush up on your understanding of planning, construction, and building regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve applied this knowledge in past roles, especially in relation to sustainability and ESG principles, as these are crucial for the role.

✨Prepare for Financial Discussions

Since the role involves working closely with investment teams, be ready to talk about development appraisals, financial modelling, and viability assessments. Having examples of how you’ve successfully managed budgets and delivered projects on time will set you apart.

Development Director - Manchester
Capstone Property Recruitment
Location: Manchester

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

C
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>