At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting development projects, ensuring timely and quality delivery.
- Company: Join SettleParadigm, the largest housing group in the region with a social purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in construction-related fields required.
The predicted salary is between 75079 - 75079 € per year.
An internal secondment opportunity has arisen within the Delivery Team for Development Manager on a 6‐month secondment basis. This role offers a valuable development opportunity for colleagues with expertise in affordable housing development, planning processes and property/contract law.
Term: 6 months secondment
Salary: £75,079 p/a
Reporting to: Senior Project Manager
Based at: Glory Park, High Wycombe OR BHR Letchworth – please specify your preference.
1 week advertising only – role closes for applications at 5.30pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
About the Role / Team
The Development Manager will take responsibility for a portfolio of development projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards. You will manage projects from inception through to completion, working closely with internal teams and external partners to successfully hand over completed homes to our Sales and Customer Teams, while ensuring full compliance with health and safety and statutory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Project manage a portfolio of development schemes from inception through to completion.
- Ensure Paradigm's commercial, legal, contractual, audit, charging, health and safety and quality requirements are met and the organisation's interests are protected throughout the development life cycle.
- Provide regular progress reports (at least monthly) to the Head of Project Delivery, highlighting risks, opportunities and any variances against time, cost and quality.
- Work collaboratively with Design & Quality, New Business, Sales and Aftercare teams to support smooth project delivery.
- Undertake financial appraisals, monitor costs, manage budgets and maintain accurate cost forecasts, escalating changes through appropriate governance routes (PAG / Development Panel).
- Manage procurement, raising and receipting purchase orders in line with financial controls.
- Maintain accurate and auditable scheme records, including Homes England, charging and key compliance documentation.
- Proactively manage project risks, maintaining risk registers and ensuring mitigation actions are implemented.
- Manage and review the performance of Employer's Agents and Clerks of Works, acting as a point of escalation where required.
- Ensure all projects comply fully with Health & Safety policies, procedures and statutory obligations.
- Support customer issues and complaints alongside the Aftercare team and manage the end‐of‐defects and project close‐down process.
- Carry out post‐completion evaluations and lessons‐learnt reviews to inform continuous improvement.
Must Haves / What We're Looking For
- Degree‐level qualification or equivalent experience in a construction‐related discipline.
- Experience and understanding of affordable housing development, planning processes and property/contract law.
- Strong commercial and contractual management experience with third parties.
- Evidence of a structured approach to project management.
- Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
- Knowledge of contract‐related legislation.
- Experience in financial appraisal and cost management of development projects.
- Experience of main contractor and subcontractor procurement.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
- Collaborative approach with a clear understanding of cross‐organisation working.
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.
Nice to haves
- Knowledge of construction contract types and their advantages and limitations.
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIOB, RICS).
- IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
Why apply?
Please submit your application through Team Tailor recruitment system in the usual way and include in your cover letter the reasons for your application and how you meet the role requirements. Informal discussions are encouraged with the Senior Project Manager or contact Suzanne Prince, Senior Recruitment Partner.
Benefits
At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.
- Annual salary: £75,079
- 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
- Generous pension scheme – up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
- Family‐friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Health cash plan – claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids' cover)
- Life cover and income protection
- Flexible working – hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging
And that's just the beginning! We're also thrilled to provide:
- Mental Health First Aiders available to support
- Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
- Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
- 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities
- Peer‐recognition rewards platform
- Paid professional subscription (one per year)
Our Commitment
We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio‐economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.
Accessibility and Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.
Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.
Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.
Closing Date: 5.30pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
Development Manager - 6 months internal secondment in Letchworth Garden City employer: Paradigm Housing Group
SettleParadigm is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees while making a significant impact in the communities it serves. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, comprehensive benefits including generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, employees can thrive in a supportive environment. Located in High Wycombe or Letchworth, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to affordable housing development while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a culture that values collaboration and social purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager - 6 months internal secondment in Letchworth Garden City
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the affordable housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent developments in affordable housing. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Development Manager. Highlight your project management skills and any relevant achievements to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our mission to build better communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager - 6 months internal secondment in Letchworth Garden City
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for affordable housing and community development.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your skills in project management and compliance.
Showcase Your Skills:Use your application to demonstrate your strong commercial and contractual management experience. Give examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and risks in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our Team Tailor recruitment system! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised.
How to prepare for a job interview at Paradigm Housing Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of affordable housing development, planning processes, and property law. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested in the role but also have the expertise to back it up.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects you've managed from inception to completion. Highlight how you ensured compliance with health and safety regulations and how you handled budgets and timelines. This will demonstrate your structured approach to project management.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've successfully collaborated with various teams in the past. Be ready to share specific instances where your strong communication skills helped influence stakeholders or resolve conflicts. This is key for a role that requires cross-organisation working.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics at SettleParadigm. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with your interviewers!
