At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the acquisition and planning of new homes, driving growth and innovation.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation with ambitious development goals.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, up to 11% pension contribution, and great development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment that embraces digital technology.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities by delivering high-quality homes.
- Qualifications: Experience in land and new business, plus proficiency in Microsoft 365.
Our client is recruiting a Senior Development Manager to join their Land & New Business team within the Development Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to join a newly formed organisation with strong development ambitions.
They provide vital services that help people to live better lives. Their Development Directorate plays a key role in delivering new, high-quality homes for rent and sale across our communities.
Role purpose
They are looking for a motivated Senior Development Manager to take a leading role in the acquisition, feasibility and planning approval process for new build homes. The successful candidate will be responsible for generating new business and contributing to the growth objectives of their business plan.
Key Accountabilities:
- Exploring and securing new land opportunities (on and off market) in line with the agreed business plan.
- Leading negotiations on heads of terms, option agreements, conditional contracts, land agreements, purchase agreements, appointments and joint ventures.
- Maximising opportunities with partner developers, landowners, agents, local authorities and other stakeholders to secure new homes.
- Carry out feasibility and robust risk appraisals for all projects and to prepare financial models and reports for approvals as required.
- Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to progress schemes through the planning process.
- Develop, monitor and manage project budgets & cash flow and contribute to the service financial plans and the service budget as guided by the Director of Partnerships and New Business.
What are they looking for?
Essential:
- A demonstrable experience in land and new business.
- Confident using Microsoft 365 applications, including SharePoint.
- Proficient in use of financial appraisal applications.
- Positive and adaptable, with a willingness to learn.
- Self-motivated, organised and reliable.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car.
Desirable:
- Relevant professional qualification e.g. RICS, CIH, CIoB and/or evidence of continuous professional development.
- Degree level education or equivalent through relevant training and/or experience.
What can they offer you?
- 28 days annual leave (pro rata).
- Employer pension contribution of up to 11%.
- Development opportunities.
- Comprehensive employee rewards scheme.
How they work
They embrace agile working blending time in their communities, shared spaces, and remote working. With digital technology at the heart of their approach, they empower teams and individuals to work flexibly.
How to apply
If this sounds like your next role, click apply now, tell them why you’ve got what it takes, and attach a copy of your current CV.
Closing date: 12th August 2026. Interviews: To be confirmed (Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a large response.)
Senior Development Manager in Watford employer: Iris Recruitment
Friends of the Elderly is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can truly make a difference in the lives of older people. Located in the vibrant community of Calcot, our care home provides not only competitive pay and generous benefits but also ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises compassion and quality care, while enjoying a range of perks including wellbeing support, learning opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager in Watford
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Iris Recruitment.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Iris Recruitment? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Iris Recruitment's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Senior Development Manager role at Iris Recruitment, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Iris Recruitment
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Iris Recruitment operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Iris Recruitment. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Iris Recruitment.
