Senior Development Manager - 12 Month FTC

Senior Development Manager - 12 Month FTC

Temporary 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead major development projects in the vibrant West End, shaping visions into reality.
  • Company: The Crown Estate, a leader in sustainable and innovative real estate development.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private healthcare, and 28 days holiday.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on iconic projects while championing sustainability and innovation.
  • Qualifications: Experience in real estate development management and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

As Senior Development Manager, you will lead the delivery of The Crown Estate’s market‑leading development projects in the West End, with day‑to‑day responsibility across the full development lifecycle. Working in close partnership with a Project/Development or Delivery Director, you will shape and deliver complex mixed‑use schemes from early strategy and planning through to delivery and handover. You will be accountable for translating vision into reality, balancing commercial performance with The Crown Estate’s commitments to sustainability leadership, innovation, partnership and long‑term stewardship to deliver strong financial, social and environmental outcomes.

This role sits at the heart of The Crown Estate’s West End development activity, leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complexity across high‑profile, strategically important projects. Key accountabilities include:

  • Leading major mixed‑use development projects through promotion, planning, design, delivery and handover, working closely with a Project/Development or Delivery Director
  • Setting planning strategies and leading the preparation and submission of planning applications across multiple schemes
  • Championing the development vision, strategic brief and holistic value creation case for major projects and programmes
  • Assembling and leading internal and external professional teams across all stages of the development lifecycle
  • Owning project viability, appraisals, budgets and business cases, supporting investment, gateway and Board‑level approvals
  • Embedding sustainability leadership, innovation and net‑zero ambitions into masterplanning and delivery strategies
  • Leading stakeholder and community engagement strategies, applying a place‑based approach in key West End locations
  • Acting as client duty holder for health and safety, ensuring adoption of TCE’s Safety First strategy
  • Managing project governance, risk registers, reporting, budgets, valuations and quarterly business reviews
  • Leading and developing Development and Assistant Development Managers, fostering a collaborative, learning‑led team culture
  • Building strong external networks across public and private stakeholders, delivery partners and market influencers

Most important skills‑based requirements:

  • Strong background in real estate development management, with experience delivering major mixed‑use or urban regeneration, ideally in a heritage setting
  • Experience in managing team members
  • Proven track record of delivering complex developments safely, to budget and programme, ideally within the Central London market
  • Experience of leasing activity on development projects, including pre‑lets and negotiating Agreements for Lease
  • High commercial and analytical capability, with strong financial, appraisal and viability skills
  • Confidence leading multidisciplinary teams and solving complex design, delivery and stakeholder challenges
  • Strong understanding of planning policy and regulatory frameworks impacting major developments
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders, local authorities and external partners
  • Experience leading procurement and supply‑chain processes for large UK development or construction projects
  • Demonstrable commitment to sustainability leadership, innovation and adoption of best‑in‑class frameworks and approaches

Our Offering / benefits: As well as a competitive salary, pension and performance related bonus offering, we have a wealth of benefits available ranging from flexible working; market leading family policies and shopping discounts in the West End, to private healthcare; life and critical illness cover and 28 days holiday with the option to buy more. We value work life balance and your wellbeing highly, enabling you to be your best self to work.

Disability Disclaimer: We are a proud disability confident employer and operate the offer of interview scheme Disability Confident employer scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Senior Development Manager - 12 Month FTC employer: thecrownestate

The Crown Estate is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful change initiatives within a supportive environment, complemented by competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive benefits. Join us in a role that not only drives transformation but also contributes to a meaningful mission in a prestigious organisation.

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Contact Details:

thecrownestate Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager - 12 Month FTC

Get Involved with Local Real Estate Events

In the real estate game, networking is key! Attend local property expos, open houses or even community planning meetings. This is where you can meet industry professionals and get your name out there, plus you might hear about temporary roles before they're even advertised!

Check Out Property Management Companies

Temporary roles in real estate often pop up with property management companies, especially during busy seasons. Reach out directly to firms in your area to ask about short-term opportunities. Sometimes, a friendly face can get you in quicker than an application!

Leverage Social Media for Instant Opportunities

Get active on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where real estate agents often post about temporary roles. Join local groups or follow real estate pages for the latest job posts and networking chances. You’ll be surprised how many gems you can find just by scrolling!

Apply Through thecrownestate for a Kickstart!

Don’t forget to check out our site for temporary roles at thecrownestate. We regularly list positions that you might miss elsewhere. It’s a great way to get started in the industry – who knows where it could lead you?

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager - 12 Month FTC

Real Estate Development Management
Mixed-Use Development
Urban Regeneration
Team Management
Project Viability and Appraisals
Budget Management
Planning Policy Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Relevant Experience:When applying to thecrownestate for a temporary role in real estate, make sure you highlight any relevant experience you’ve got. Whether it's internships, part-time roles, or even coursework related to property management or market analysis, we want to see how you've engaged with the industry. Specifics about your tasks and achievements can really make your application stand out.

Highlight Your Local Market Knowledge:For a position in real estate, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the local market. This could mean referencing any studies or projects you've done about property trends in the area or any relevant certifications. Let us know why you care about the local landscape, as this shows that you've got a genuine interest in the role.

Keep It Concise but Engaging:For a temporary role, we know there's often a lot to unpack. So make sure your CV is clear, concise, and packed with the most relevant info. Stick to bullet points and focus on achievements that directly tie back to what the role requires. We want to see what you can bring to the table quickly and efficiently.

Don’t Forget the Cover Letter:Although it’s a temporary gig, your cover letter is still super important. Use it to express your enthusiasm for working with thecrownestate and what you hope to gain from this experience. Tell us how this opportunity fits into your career trajectory and why you're excited about the real estate sector specifically. Your passion could be your best asset!

How to prepare for a job interview at thecrownestate

Know Your Market

In real estate, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the local market trends. Dive into recent sales data and property values in the area where thecrownestate operates. Being able to talk knowledgeable about the market shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to contribute right away.

Brush Up on Negotiation Skills

As a temporary hire in real estate, you’ll likely deal with clients and other agents who want results quickly. We suggest preparing for some negotiation scenarios in the interview. Be ready to showcase your approach to client discussions and how you can find win-win situations—this is key for success in real estate and will set you apart from other candidates.

Showcase Your Flexibility

Since this is a temporary role, we want to emphasise showcasing your adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can hit the ground running and adjust to the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the real estate sector. Highlight any past experiences where you had to think on your feet or manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Prepare a Portfolio of Listings

Even though it's a temporary position, having a portfolio of properties or listings you’ve worked with can make a huge impact. Bring examples that highlight your marketing strategies, client interactions, or successful deals. This tangible evidence of your abilities in real estate will help make a memorable impression on thecrownestate.