Director of Development Finance in London

Director of Development Finance in London

London Full-Time 142210 - 177762 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Clarion

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy for a £600m-£700m development budget and guide a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join Clarion Housing Group, a leader in social and commercial housing development.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and lifestyle benefits to support your career.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of housing with your financial expertise and strategic insight.
  • Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant with experience in large investment portfolios and joint ventures.

The predicted salary is between 142210 - 177762 £ per year.

Location: Hybrid - London, Greater London House

Salary: London - £142,210 - £177,762 plus £8000 car allowance per annum; National - £119,375 - £149,219 plus £8000 car allowance per annum

Hours: 36 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Role Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Director of Development Finance to join our team in London. Latimer is the development business of Clarion Housing Group and has grown over the last 5 years to a business delivering around homes per annum with a capacity and pipeline to increase this to 3000 homes per annum over the next 3-4 years dependent upon market conditions. An opportunity has arisen to appoint an outstanding leader in the Development Finance sector responsible for £600m - £700m of annual development expenditure with a rolling 10 year plan of delivery.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role is embedded in the Development function, delivering strategic financial insight and guidance across all Development activity including a number of joint ventures arrangements. You’ll lead a team of circa 25 that appraises, reviews, monitors and reports on all development activity, across both commercial and social housing. The team manages £600m-£700m in annual investment, supporting a long‑term 10-year delivery plan.

You’ll play a key role in shaping our development plans, using your financial expertise to assess whether ideas are affordable and sustainable. You’ll also bring your own insight and suggestions to help strengthen our overall approach. You’ll be responsible for setting budgets and building long‑term financial plans, ensuring we can deliver our strategy both now and in the future. We’ll look to you to be responsible for communicating the function’s strategy and how it supports Clarion’s mission, vision and values and provide clear direction on priorities and required actions. In addition, you’ll play a key role in engaging and motivating the team to deliver against business objectives.

Qualifications

We’re looking for a CCAB (or equivalent) qualified accountant with a strong track record of delivering complex financial plans and applying investment appraisal frameworks to support robust, commercially viable decisions.

  • Strong analytical and strategic financial planning skills.
  • Experience managing large investment portfolios (e.g., £600m-£700m).
  • Demonstrated ability to work across commercial and social housing sectors.
  • Experience in joint venture financial arrangements.

Benefits

Salaries are just the starting point. Clarion provides benefits that support you and your lifestyle.

Travel

Travel to our office in Manchester will be required as well as joint venture site meetings.

Legal & Equality

You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy; Clarion are not able to offer visa sponsorship. You are required to reside in England or Wales for the duration of your employment.

Closing Date

Monday 15th June 2026 at midnight. This vacancy may close without notice.

Director of Development Finance in London employer: Clarion

At Clarion Housing Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive culture and opportunities for professional development, particularly in the Development Finance sector. With competitive salaries, a generous car allowance, and a focus on delivering impactful housing solutions, joining our team means contributing to meaningful projects while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.

Clarion

Contact Details:

Clarion Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Development Finance in London

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Clarion. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development Finance in London

Financial Planning
Investment Appraisal
Analytical Skills
Team Leadership
Budget Management
Joint Venture Financial Arrangements
Commercial Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Clarion.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Clarion's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Clarion

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Clarion.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Clarion will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Clarion employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.