Project Manager / Development Manager, Property Development

Overview

We are seeking a highly accomplished and visionary Development Manager to lead the delivery of exceptional student accommodation schemes and enhancement projects, spanning both greenfield and brownfield developments across the United Kingdom. This pivotal role demands a blend of strategic leadership, technical excellence, and strong project management capabilities to ensure success throughout every stage of the project lifecycle, from inception through to completion and handover.

As a key member of our development team, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of purpose-built student accommodation. You will champion innovation, quality, and sustainability, ensuring that each project sets new benchmarks in design, safety, and environmental performance while consistently delivering outstanding value to stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Leadership and Delivery

• Provide leadership and oversight across all project phases: acquisition, inception, feasibility, design (RIBA stages or equivalent), pre-construction, construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Develop, monitor, and maintain detailed project programmes, budgets, and cost plans, including forecasting, variation control, and value engineering.
• Lead the procurement of consultants, contractors, and suppliers, administering contracts in accordance with JCT, NEC, or other relevant UK standard forms.

2. Governance, Risk, and Compliance

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, maintaining comprehensive risk registers and mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure full compliance with UK building regulations, planning approvals, health and safety legislation (including CDM), fire safety standards, sustainability objectives, and Gateway requirements under the Building Safety Act.
• Uphold rigorous quality assurance standards to protect the approved design intent, ensure safety, and maintain statutory compliance on site.

3. Stakeholder and Team Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including landowners, local authorities, planning bodies, clients, consultants, supply chain partners, subcontractors, and local community representatives.
• Provide clear leadership to internal teams and external consultants and contractors, ensuring effective communication, well-defined responsibilities, and consistent performance delivery.

4. Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Oversee the preparation and delivery of comprehensive project documentation, including progress reports, cost updates, quality inspection records, and health and safety compliance reports.
• Manage and coordinate all handover activities, including commissioning, snagging, client and resident satisfaction, and the management of the defects liability period.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Minimum of five years’ experience delivering high-rise or large-volume student accommodation developments—or comparable large-scale residential or mixed-use projects—across the full project lifecycle, from inception to completion.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering high-rise, new-build, and/or major refurbishment schemes within complex, urban, and constrained environments.
• Extensive experience with UK contract forms (JCT, NEC, or equivalent) and procurement processes.
• Strong financial acumen, including expertise in project budgeting, cost control, forecasting, and financial management.
• Proficient in programme and schedule management, with the ability to develop, monitor, and adjust timelines to mitigate delays.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK planning processes, including Building Safety Act (BSA) Gateway approval stages, building regulations, fire safety requirements, and CDM regulations.
• Deep understanding of sustainability frameworks (e.g., BREEAM), ESG principles, and net zero strategies within the built environment.
• Familiarity with BIM, Lean construction methodologies, and digital project management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• Strong leadership skills with experience in building and managing high-performing project teams, coordinating subcontractors, and driving on-site performance.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across multiple disciplines and with senior leadership.
• Solutions-focused mindset, adept at navigating and resolving design, construction, and regulatory challenges.

Qualifications and Certifications

• Applicants must hold chartered status with a recognised UK professional body, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), or possess an equivalent project management accreditation.
• In addition, candidates with recognised architectural qualifications and relevant professional experience will be viewed favourably.