At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational delivery and manage live projects in a dynamic construction environment.
- Company: A forward-thinking property and construction group based in Hertfordshire.
- Benefits: Flexible freelance role with competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with the chance to work on exciting new business acquisitions.
- Why this job: Join a team where your leadership can shape innovative projects and drive real change.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in residential development or major construction, strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We're a vertically integrated property and construction group based in Hertfordshire, working across residential development, trades recruitment, retrofit services, and EdTech. We're looking for an experienced Senior Development Manager on a freelance basis to lead operational delivery across our Foras Group division and support the launch of our new facilities management operation as well as help out with existing pipeline of work.
You’ll work closely with the Founder/Chairman, owning live project delivery, commercial operations, and new site acquisition. The role is flexible, scaling with project pipeline and business need.
- Live Project Management
- Chair weekly lookahead meetings reviewing project tasks and Procore schedules, ensuring key items don't slip.
- Manage and collate all project documentation (drawings, specifications, submissions, correspondence) across Procore and shared storage—maintaining a clear audit trail.
- Coordinate senior debt drawdowns with the project management and finance teams.
- Collaborate on monthly cash flow reporting and forecasting.
- Manage Building Control liaison, reviews, and reporting.
- Oversee building warranty inspections and process.
- Review RFIs and Submittals, track design observations.
- Manage planning conditions—discharge submissions to the local authority with supporting evidence, track compliance.
- Align budgets with commercial and site teams, flag variances early.
- Liaise with principal contractors and consultants.
- Support handover transition to facilities management as projects complete.
- Bionet Property Services
- Oversee day-to-day operational management and process efficiency.
- Coordinate site activity and contractor management.
- Work closely with Foras team where operations intersect, maintaining clear communication.
- New Business & Acquisitions
- Source development sites, identify opportunities aligned with company strategy.
- Carry out feasibility assessments—planning potential, developable area, scheme mix, constraints.
- Produce and review financial appraisals, stress-test assumptions, present risk/return analysis.
- Support acquisitions through to exchange—work with solicitors on due diligence, contracts.
About you
- 5+ years managing residential development or major construction projects.
- Strong subcontractor and vendor relationship management.
- Experience with project management systems (Procore or similar).
- Numerate—comfortable reviewing financial models and appraisals.
- Ideally retrofit or ESG background, though solid operational foundation matters most.
- Self‑directed, collaborative, brings ideas and works through challenges constructively.
- Understanding of construction timescales, cost control, and profit protection.
What we’re looking for
Flexible engagement. The role scales with project activity. We need someone who can embed quickly, work autonomously, and be responsive to shifting priorities.
Senior Development Manager employer: Foras Group
As a leading property and construction group based in Hertfordshire, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that values flexibility and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through opportunities to engage directly with senior leadership and take ownership of impactful projects, all while enjoying the benefits of a supportive environment that encourages innovation and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager
✨Join Local Construction Groups
Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!
✨Network at Construction Events
Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.
✨Utilise Online Freelance Platforms
Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at Foras Group.
Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let Foras Group know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foras Group
✨Showcase Your Project Portfolio
For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.
✨Pitch Your Rates and Work Style
As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like Foras Group. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
