Job Title Development Manager / Senior Development Manager
Role Type Permanent/Full Time
Reports to Managing Director, Development Management
Company
From day one, Thakeham has been driven by a clear vision: to transform the way people think about new‑built developments. Over 20 years later, that ethos is still very much alive, reflected in our numerous awards and reputation in the sector.
An infrastructure‑led community creator and strategic land promoter, Thakeham is committed to partnerships, innovation and creating amazing places to live and work. We are industry‑leading in sustainability and biodiversity. We were one of the first to introduce Zero Bills homes in partnership with Octopus Energy.
We pride ourselves on our ‘Infrastructure first’ approach, ensuring communities release the benefits of new development at the outset, rather than later in the process. We deliver social, affordable and retirement housing for a wide range of housing associations and local authorities.
People are Thakeham’s most important asset, and this is reflected in the way we operate. We are proud to be listed in the Top 50 Best Mid‑Sized Companies to Work For 2025.
With around 185 employees, our people enjoy excellent rewards and working conditions in an exciting business, offering exciting career opportunities. Thakeham is keen to develop, guide and support our employees, regardless of what stage they are in their careers.
We value diversity and encourage people to bring their full authentic selves to work. A Gold Armed Forces Covenant signatory and supporter of armed force’s charity Building Heroes, Thakeham operates a Talent for Development outreach campaign for military veterans and college leavers.
We combine meaningful work with opportunities to give back, through volunteering and fundraising initiatives that support our communities such as the Housebuilder Challenge and offering two paid volunteering days per year to do so. Where roles allow, our summer hours policy in June, July and August allows people to enjoy longer weekends with their loved ones. A flexible approach to working is available all year round.
At Thakeham we build communities, together.
Department
Alongside community delivery, we are a strategic land promoter, with significant strategic land interests across the SE of England. Supported by our in‑house strategic land, planning, external affairs and partnership teams, we successfully identify, secure, manage and promote land opportunities into development scheme and continue to expand our brand and portfolio.
The Development Management team’s objective is to project manage the component parts taking Thakeham land opportunities through the planning cycles to ensure an implementable scheme is secured, supporting the group business plan and objectives.
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Development Manager / Senior Development Manager, with sound knowledge of the land, planning, design, engineering and other pre‑development roles, to take projects through the pre‑development process and beyond, from the initial securing of land opportunities, through to point at which the development has been successfully delivered.
Job role
- Working with the Land department, where required, to ensure that financial, legal and technical due diligence is in order
- Responsible for negotiating and completing complex land agreements
- Custodian of the Development and Planning Strategies to ensure that sites are deliverable and viable
- Coordinating the internal project team, to take projects forward from the early pre‑development stages
- Ensuring that the project planning and pre‑development programmes are clearly established and complied with
- Managing the internal Pre‑Plan Process
- Leading / attending external meetings with external stakeholders, as required
- Managing project financial appraisals, including cashflows & cost reporting to ensure development viability
- Inputting into S106 legal agreements to ensure scheme deliverability
- Aiding with land valuation / site purchase, as required
- Aiding with RP sales / site sales / third party land transfers / securing of third‑party rights, as required
- Managing / coaching / mentoring junior team members, where required
This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience.
Required skills
- Experience of the development process, from land acquisition through to site delivery, including good knowledge of the planning process
- Knowledge of / ability to run development financial appraisals and cashflows, combined with commercial awareness and acumen
- Ability to negotiate
- Experience of legal process / documentation and awareness of relevant impact on projects and the wider business
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel & Outlook)
- Excellent communication skills and confidence to liaise with people
- Good attention to detail and organisational skills
- Professional approach with high degree of discretion
- Willing to be flexible and get involved with a wide range of tasks
- Ability to work on own initiative and generate solutions
- RICS accreditation whilst not essential, may be advantageous
Benefits
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Annual holiday allowance 26 days increasing to 27 after 3yrs service and 28 after 5yrs service (plus bank holidays)
- Life assurance
- Private medical insurance
- Health screening
- Flexible working hours in a modern office environment / Working from Home Policy
- Excellent development and progression opportunities for the right candidate
- Company Social events
Plus a whole range of other employee benefits that we can tell you all about, our employees are rewarded for their performance, attitude and results.
Seniority level
- Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
- Full‑time
Job function
- Engineering and Information Technology
- Real Estate and Construction
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Thakeham is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating people fairly. We will treat all job applicants and employees equally regardless of age, race, religious belief, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We welcome applicants from all sectors of society and we are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all.
