Development Director

Development Director

London Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead large-scale real estate projects from planning to completion in Central London.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at the forefront of innovative property development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and mentorship.
  • Why this job: Be part of impactful projects that champion sustainability and design excellence.
  • Qualifications: Requires a degree in a property-related field and 7+ years of relevant experience.
  • Other info: Ideal for inspirational leaders who thrive in fast-paced environments.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced Development Director to lead the delivery of large-scale, high-quality real estate projects in Central London. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for managing the full development lifecycle — from acquisition and planning through to construction and completion — while ensuring commercial success and design excellence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee the delivery of complex residential and mixed-use developments, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards.
  • Manage internal development and construction teams as well as external consultants and stakeholders.
  • Take full accountability for project budgets, programmes, and appraisals, reporting to senior leadership and investors.
  • Oversee planning, risk management, procurement, and stakeholder engagement throughout the development process.
  • Foster strong collaboration across acquisition, planning, design, technical, construction, and sales teams.
  • Champion sustainability, innovation, and design quality, driving value creation and market differentiation.
  • Provide leadership and mentoring to junior team members, building capability and supporting professional growth.

Candidate Profile

Must-haves

  • Bachelor’s degree in a property-related discipline (Architecture, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, etc.).
  • Minimum 7 years’ development management experience delivering high-density residential or mixed-use projects.
  • Strong technical and project management expertise, with solid knowledge of contracts, programmes, and compliance.
  • Proven track record of delivering complex residential-led schemes from acquisition to completion.
  • Strong commercial understanding of the entire development lifecycle.
  • Experience working within an entrepreneurial developer or family office environment.
  • A strong technical background is advantageous.

Personal Qualities

  • Inspirational leader, able to build, manage, and motivate teams.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Commercially astute with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Proactive, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Director

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Other

  • Industries

    Construction and Real Estate

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Development Director employer: Thomas Gray

At Thomas Gray, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in the heart of Central London, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to sustainability and design excellence not only drives our projects but also supports the professional growth of our employees through mentorship and leadership opportunities. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your expertise and encourages you to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting.
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Contact Detail:

Thomas Gray Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Development Director

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the real estate and construction sectors. Attend industry events, seminars, or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role of a Development Director.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable development and design excellence. Being knowledgeable about current practices will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to innovation in your field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous project experiences in detail. Be ready to highlight specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the successful outcomes of your projects to showcase your leadership and problem-solving skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company thoroughly, including their recent projects and corporate culture. Understanding their values and objectives will help you tailor your discussions and show how you can contribute to their success as a Development Director.

We think you need these skills to ace Development Director

Project Management
Budget Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Risk Management
Procurement Skills
Leadership and Team Management
Communication Skills
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Real Estate Development
Understanding of Construction Processes
Commercial Acumen
Technical Knowledge in Architecture or Construction
Sustainability Practices
Mentoring and Coaching Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in development management, particularly in high-density residential or mixed-use projects. Emphasise your leadership roles and any successful projects you've delivered.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for real estate development and your understanding of the full development lifecycle. Mention specific examples of how you've managed complex projects and led teams to success.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as project management, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles.

Showcase Leadership Qualities: Since this role requires strong leadership, include examples of how you've inspired and mentored team members. Discuss your approach to building collaborative relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Gray

✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've managed, focusing on your role in overseeing the development lifecycle. Highlight how you ensured projects were delivered on time and within budget, as this is crucial for the Development Director position.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience

As a pivotal leadership role, it's essential to convey your experience in managing teams. Share examples of how you've inspired and motivated your team members, and how you've fostered collaboration across different departments.

✨Emphasise Commercial Acumen

Discuss your understanding of the commercial aspects of development, including budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Be ready to provide insights into how you've driven value creation and market differentiation in past projects.

✨Highlight Your Technical Knowledge

Given the technical background required for this role, be sure to mention your expertise in contracts, compliance, and construction management. Discuss any relevant qualifications or experiences that demonstrate your strong technical foundation.

Development Director
Thomas Gray
Location: London

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