Senior Development Manager in Guildford

Senior Development Manager in Guildford

Guildford Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
tdm recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting commercial development projects from planning to delivery.
  • Company: Dynamic property developer with a hands-on management style.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy in decision-making, and career growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a fast-paced environment where your expertise will be valued and rewarded.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on large-scale projects and drive innovation in property development.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in project management with a strong track record in commercial developments.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

The Company is a privately owned commercial property developer and asset management business operating across the Home Counties. The company delivers both ground-up new build schemes and the active management of an established commercial portfolio. Current live projects include a 40,000 sq ft business units development and a 100,000 sq ft warehouse scheme — with a clear pipeline ahead. This is a business where the MD is hands-on, decisions get made quickly, and a good project manager has real autonomy.

The Role is a senior, end-to-end project management position covering new build commercial development and refurbishment of existing assets. You'll own the full delivery cycle — from planning and consultant engagement through procurement, construction, and tenant handover. This isn't a contract administration role. You'll be driving programmes, managing budgets, running tenders, and keeping projects moving.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Leading design and planning, managing architects, engineers, and specialist consultants
  • Handling planning applications and statutory compliance with local authorities
  • Developing and managing project budgets, programmes, and build cost reports
  • Running competitive tender processes for construction contracts and administering JCT/similar forms
  • Overseeing site delivery, subcontractors, and quality — working alongside a site-based contracts manager
  • Reporting directly to the MD with proactive identification of risks and issues
  • Managing end-of-lease refurbishment works on the existing portfolio

What You'll Need:

  • 10+ years in construction project management and/or commercial property development
  • Proven track record on commercial new build schemes (multi-million-pound)
  • Strong working knowledge of UK planning, building regs, and JCT/NEC contract administration
  • The commercial acumen to run a budget, manage costs, and challenge where needed
  • Degree in Construction Management, QS, Civil Engineering, Real Estate Development, or similar
  • Full UK driving licence
  • MRICS, PRINCE2/APM, or SMSTS would be advantageous — but the right experience matters more than the letters.

Senior Development Manager in Guildford employer: tdm recruitment

As a privately owned commercial property developer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation thrives. Our hands-on leadership ensures that you have the autonomy to drive projects from inception to completion, while our commitment to employee growth provides ample opportunities for professional development. Located in the Home Counties, we offer a unique chance to work on significant developments with a clear pipeline ahead, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in project management.

tdm recruitment

Contact Details:

tdm recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager in Guildford

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. When you walk in, show them you’re not just another candidate — you’re someone who’s genuinely interested in their work and ready to contribute.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident and natural.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager in Guildford

Project Management
Budget Management
Construction Management
Commercial Property Development
Planning and Consultant Engagement
Procurement
Construction Contract Administration (JCT/NEC)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Senior Development Manager role. Highlight your project management experience, especially in commercial property development, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your hands-on experience with new build schemes and how you’ve successfully managed budgets and teams in the past.

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just listing duties. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve driven projects forward and managed costs effectively.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at tdm recruitment

Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the company's current projects and their significance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their ongoing developments, like the 40,000 sq ft business units or the 100,000 sq ft warehouse scheme.

Showcase Your Autonomy

Since this role offers real autonomy, prepare examples from your past where you've taken charge of a project. Highlight how you managed budgets, drove programmes, and made quick decisions that led to successful outcomes.

Brush Up on Regulations

Given the importance of UK planning and building regulations in this role, ensure you're up-to-date with the latest compliance requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated these in previous projects, especially when handling planning applications.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to JCT/NEC contract administration and competitive tender processes. Review your knowledge on these topics and be prepared to explain your approach to managing contracts and overseeing site delivery.