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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse property development projects from concept to completion on a stunning rural estate.
- Company: Join a prestigious private estate with a focus on high-quality developments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about heritage and high-spec projects.
- Why this job: Shape impactful developments while working closely with talented teams in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: 8-12+ years in property development with strong construction knowledge and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Private Rural Estate Portfolio
Full-time | Based in Wiltshire (with travel to Shropshire)
The Opportunity
We are seeking an outstanding Property Development Director to take a hands-on leadership role in delivering a diverse and ambitious development programme across a significant rural estate portfolio. This is a senior, delivery-focused role for a commercially astute development professional who is deeply embedded in the construction process. You will take ownership of projects from early concept through to completion, driving quality, programme, and cost with a proactive, solutions-led approach. Working closely with the Estate Director, you will lead both internal and external teams, ensuring projects are executed to the highest standards. This role offers the opportunity to shape and deliver complex developments across heritage assets, rural infrastructure, and high-quality residential and commercial property.
Key Responsibilities
- Development & Project Delivery (Core Focus)
- Take full ownership of multiple development projects, managing the entire lifecycle from feasibility through to delivery and completion.
- Act as a hands-on Development Director, actively involved in design development, construction detailing, and on-site decision-making.
- Lead and drive project teams including architects, consultants, and contractors to ensure delivery against programme, budget, and quality benchmarks.
- Maintain a strong on-site presence, carrying out regular inspections and ensuring works are executed to the highest standards.
- Proactively identify and resolve design and construction challenges with a practical, solutions-driven mindset.
- Oversee procurement strategies and contractor appointments, ensuring alignment with project objectives and estate standards.
- Administer and manage contracts (JCT experience advantageous), maintaining tight commercial and programme control.
- Construction & Technical Leadership
- Bring a strong understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing, and buildability.
- Interrogate technical drawings, specifications, and contractor proposals to ensure quality and value.
- Champion best practice in construction delivery, with particular sensitivity to heritage buildings and rural environments.
- Ensure exceptional standards of finish, detailing, and craftsmanship across all developments.
- Estate Development Strategy
- Work with the Estate Director to shape and implement a long-term, value-driven development strategy.
- Identify development opportunities across the estate, balancing commercial return with long-term stewardship.
- Contribute practical, delivery-informed insight into planning, design, and feasibility decisions.
- Stakeholder & Team Leadership
- Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams with clarity and authority.
- Build strong working relationships with contractors, consultants, and estate stakeholders.
- Foster a collaborative but performance-driven culture, challenging underperformance where necessary.
- Act as a key representative of the estate in all development matters.
- Financial & Commercial Management
- Take ownership of development budgets, ensuring rigorous cost control and value engineering.
- Review and challenge contractor and consultant proposals to achieve optimal commercial outcomes.
- Monitor financial performance across projects, reporting clearly and accurately to the Estate Director.
- Reporting & Governance
- Provide clear, concise reporting on project progress, risks, and financials.
- Support decision-making with well-reasoned, experience-led recommendations.
- Ensure robust governance and continuous improvement across all development activity.
About You
You will be a dynamic, hands-on Property Development Director with a strong construction background and a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects. You are likely to come from a high-end contractor, developer, or specialist construction background, with a deep understanding of how projects are actually built — not just managed. You will bring:
- 8–12+ years’ experience in property development, construction, or project delivery.
- A strong track record of delivering complex, high-quality construction projects from inception to completion.
- A hands-on approach, with the confidence and credibility to engage directly with contractors and trades on site.
- Excellent technical understanding of construction, detailing, and buildability.
- Experience working on heritage, rural, or high-spec residential/commercial projects (highly advantageous).
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to manage budgets and drive value.
- Professional qualifications (e.g. RICS, CIOB, or similar) beneficial but secondary to practical delivery experience.
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to take ownership and make decisions.
- Strong leadership presence, with the ability to command respect and drive performance across teams.
- Discretion, professionalism, and the ability to operate effectively within a private estate environment.
Property Development Director - private estate in London employer: Eden Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Eden Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Property Development Director - private estate in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and successes. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and how you've tackled challenges in property development.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in managing complex developments and leading teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Property Development Director - private estate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for property development shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to lead projects and make a real impact on our rural estate portfolio.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in property development and construction. We’re looking for someone with a strong track record, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements and how they align with the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use bullet points or short paragraphs to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
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 this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in relation to heritage or rural developments. This will show your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your approach to leading multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and driven performance in past roles. Highlight any instances where you had to challenge underperformance and how you handled those situations.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Brush up on construction methodologies and be prepared to discuss technical drawings and specifications. You might be asked to evaluate a project scenario, so demonstrating your understanding of buildability and quality standards will set you apart.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the estate's long-term development strategy and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to share insights on potential development opportunities and how you can contribute to balancing commercial returns with stewardship.