Project Manager

Be First is the regeneration and urban development company wholly owned by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Established to accelerate growth, investment and opportunity across the borough, Be First is responsible for delivering one of London’s most ambitious regeneration, housing and economic development programmes. Working across housing delivery, regeneration, town centre renewal and place‑making, Be First partners with the Council, developers, investors, registered providers and local communities to create high‑quality homes, employment opportunities and thriving neighbourhoods. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth, Be First is helping to transform Barking and Dagenham into one of London’s most exciting places to live, work and invest.

Due to continued growth across its development portfolio, Be First is seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Project Manager to join its Development Delivery Team.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the delivery of major regeneration and residential development projects across the borough. Reporting to a Senior Project Manager, you will take ownership of development projects from site identification and feasibility through to planning, procurement, construction and handover. Acting as client‑side project manager, you will work closely with consultants, contractors, Council stakeholders and development partners to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest standards of quality. The successful candidate will have strong commercial awareness, excellent stakeholder management skills and a passion for delivering projects that make a lasting impact on communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of regeneration and new build development projects from inception through to completion.
• Identify potential development opportunities and undertake site appraisals and feasibility assessments.
• Support and contribute to the design development process through to planning submission.
• Work closely with the Council to develop project briefs and secure business case approvals.
• Act as client‑side project manager across a portfolio of development projects.
• Manage multidisciplinary consultant teams and contractors throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective communication.
• Monitor project programmes, budgets and resources to ensure successful delivery.
• Prepare and maintain project viability appraisals and financial reporting.
• Identify, manage and mitigate project risks throughout the development process.
• Support procurement activities and contractual arrangements, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Manage planning applications and help de‑risk projects through the design and planning stages.
• Lead stakeholder engagement and community consultation activities.
• Manage construction contracts, change control processes and project handovers.
• Report regularly on project performance, programme and financial status.
• Identify opportunities to maximise value and generate additional income where appropriate.

About You

We are seeking a proactive and commercially aware development professional who is passionate about delivering successful regeneration and housing projects. You will have:

• A professional qualification as a Chartered Surveyor, Quantity Surveyor, Building Surveyor, Architect, Urban Planner or a commercially focused Project Manager.
• Experience delivering development, regeneration, housing or construction projects from feasibility through to completion.
• Strong understanding of the property development process and development economics.
• Experience preparing viability appraisals and managing project budgets.
• Good understanding of planning, procurement and construction delivery processes.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify and manage project risks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working with consultants, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to prepare business cases and reports.
• Experience leading or supporting community engagement and consultation activities.
• Excellent organisational, negotiation and problem‑solving skills.
• The ability to work effectively within a fast‑paced and evolving development environment.

Why Join Be First?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of London’s leading regeneration organisations and contribute to projects that are delivering thousands of new homes, creating jobs and improving local communities. You will gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of regeneration and development projects while working alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative and supportive environment.