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- Tasks: Lead exciting development projects and manage land acquisitions in the Southeast.
- Company: Join Places for People, a leading Social Enterprise focused on community and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, pension contributions, and fantastic discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in land acquisition, project management, and a strong network in the Southeast.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to creating thriving communities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! We’re more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That’s someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK’s leading Social Enterprise, we don’t discriminate based on any protected attribute. In fact, we’re dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.
More about your role
The role sits within the Southeast development business and will cover the Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire area. The South East is an active region delivering a number of large-scale mixed tenure development sites and requires a Development Manager to support the identification of new sites, as well as bringing forward sites already acquired, so they are viable and ready to start on site in line with the Regional Business Plan and affordable homes strategy.
As a Development Manager for the South East region, you will work within an agile development team taking the lead in managing mixed tenure residential led projects from acquisition through to delivery on site, including land acquisitions as well as new business plot purchases, in line with the approved Development Strategy and Group wide growth ambitions.
The role will include a range of responsibilities, including:
- Appraising and securing new opportunities for a range of tenures
- Undertaking pre-acquisition due diligence
- Negotiating legal agreements
- Managing planning applications on large scale sites
- Appointing consultants and managing project programmes and budgets
- Preparing business cases
Knowledge of market and affordable housing tenures will be required in performing this role, as well as following internal processes for approvals.
More about you
Important Notice: The earliest start date for this position is 7th April. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming the right candidate to our team.
To be eligible for an interview you must meet the essential criteria in a housebuilder environment as a Development Manager:
- Proven experience in land acquisition and planning – You’ll need a strong track record of identifying, negotiating, and securing land opportunities, as well as navigating planning processes to unlock development potential.
- Managing large-scale projects (circa 300+ homes) – Demonstrable experience in overseeing large scale developments from inception through delivery, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
- Excellent project management skills – Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders, manage budgets, monitor programmes, and mitigate risks across the full development lifecycle.
- A strong network across the Southeast of England.
- Land buying experience and knowledge of both conditional and unconditional land purchase agreements.
- Highly numerate, commercially minded, and comfortable with complex models and appraisals as well as planning and S106 negotiations.
- Highly analytical, able to identify risks and opportunities from current and future developments and act accordingly.
Benefits
We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for. We offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:
- Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
- Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
- Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave
- Competitive Bonus
- Training and development
- Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more.
Development Manager in London employer: Places Development
Contact Detail:
Places Development Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Places for People values community and people over numbers, so show us how you embody those values. Research their projects and initiatives, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights about the role and the team. A friendly chat can give you an edge and help you understand what they truly value in a Development Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to project management and land acquisition. Be ready to share specific examples of your past successes and how you’ve navigated challenges in large-scale developments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining a community that cares about its members.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about the role and the community we serve. Share why you’re excited about the opportunity to be a Development Manager with us.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in land acquisition and project management. We’re looking for someone who can manage large-scale projects, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements in this area!
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your personal journey and how it aligns with our People Promises. This is your chance to show us how you embody the values we cherish at Places for People.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Places Development
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of land acquisition and planning processes. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in managing large-scale projects, especially those with 300+ homes. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Show Your People Skills
Since Places for People values community spirit and respect, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked collaboratively with diverse teams. Highlight your ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and lead consultants and contractors effectively.
✨Be Analytical
Demonstrate your analytical skills by discussing how you've identified risks and opportunities in previous projects. Bring along examples of complex models or appraisals you've worked on, as this will showcase your commercial mindset and problem-solving abilities.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Places for People's People Promises and think about how your personal values align with theirs. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for creating inclusive communities and your motivation to grow within the organisation.
