Senior Development Manager

Purpose
Work as part of a collaborative development team to drive forward new and existing projects through to delivery, ensuring financial targets, quality standards, and strategic objectives are met. Communicate effectively with internal colleagues, key partners, and external consultancy teams to ensure developments achieve agreed outputs and milestones in line with programme requirements. Identify, appraise, and secure new development opportunities that align with business strategy, policy, and procedures.

Role and Accountabilities

• Support and assist Development Directors or senior management in delivering projects in line with agreed objectives and commercial goals.
• Work alongside internal project managers to take overall responsibility for project delivery, achieving key milestones throughout the development lifecycle.
• Manage negotiations on legal agreements, including development and funding arrangements; undertake viability assessments; secure planning and other statutory consents; arrange finance, lettings, and disposals; and establish long-term estate management structures to ensure projects remain viable and deliverable.
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, developing strong relationships with key stakeholders and driving the team to achieve core project objectives within programme and budget parameters.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external teams to make informed project decisions and co-create solutions.
• Take ownership of scheme development appraisals and programmes, regularly reviewing financial and delivery inputs to inform wider business planning.
• Monitor and manage project expenditure within approved limits, seeking further approvals where necessary in line with governance procedures.
• Prepare and deliver clear progress reports, forecasts, budgets, and board papers as required, ensuring all reporting is accurate and timely.
• Chair and contribute to project meetings, deputising for senior colleagues when necessary, and present schemes confidently to internal and external audiences.
• Ensure that all funding and legal documentation is complete, accurate, and reflects the agreed transaction structure and risk profile.
• Represent the organisation professionally in the marketplace, promoting the business and developing relationships that may lead to future development opportunities.
• Identify and secure new development opportunities in line with strategic goals, undertaking thorough appraisals that consider market data, competition, and consultant advice.
• Champion Social Value and Sustainability across projects, ensuring ESG principles are embedded within all development activity.

Skills and Knowledge

• Proven experience in a Development Manager or equivalent role, with a strong track record in identifying and delivering residential and/or mixed-use commercial projects.
• Experience leading and motivating multidisciplinary project teams.
• Skilled in managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, including local authorities, community groups, and investors.
• Proficient in preparing and reporting commercial appraisals and financial models.
• Ideally MRICS-qualified, with a minimum of five years post-qualification experience.
• Excellent communication skills, including written reporting and presentation. Proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and Argus Developer (or equivalent appraisal software).
• Commercially astute with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Self-motivated, tenacious, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Passionate about regeneration, place-making, and sustainable urban development.

Please send your CV and a short cover note to Richard Williams by email or for a confidential discussion about the role, please call the mobile.

E: richard@spencelooker.co.uk
M: 07703 259479