Development Manager

Development Manager

Leeds Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead major capital projects on campus, ensuring they meet strategic goals and sustainability targets.
  • Company: University of Leeds, a vibrant and diverse educational institution.
  • Benefits: 42 days holiday, gym discounts, personal development courses, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on campus development while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing complex projects and strong financial understanding required.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and sustainability.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Development Manager

Salary: Grade 9 (£56,021 – £64,914 p.a depending on experience)

This role will be based on University campus with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

The University of Leeds has a large and diverse estate portfolio of 6 million square feet incorporating academic space, student residential property, sports grounds, and agricultural landholdings. The main campus is architecturally varied, with buildings dating from the 18th century to the present and including a substantial 1960s estate. The Facilities Directorate is responsible for delivery of the University’s capital programme and campus masterplanning, in support of the University’s academic mission.

The Development Manager will ensure the optimal management of complex capital projects and/or programmes, in support of the University’s strategic spatial requirements. The postholder will take day-to-day leadership of major capital projects and/or programmes during the briefing, design, planning and tender stages (broadly RIBA: Royal Institute for British Architects, Stages 0-4) and retain oversight throughout the programme. They will be accountable for delivering the targets set by the University leadership to support implementation of the vision, strategy and business plan for each project/programme and progression in line with the governance gateway process.

This role is part of a dynamic function (Masterplanning) responsible for effective space management and planning; property asset management; masterplanning and the strategic briefing and oversight of major capital projects and programmes. Environmental and social sustainability underpin all these activities and the Directorate is also overseeing the delivery of a major net zero programme. The postholder will need to work with external stakeholders such as Leeds City Council , the NHS and local landowners, alongside colleagues across the wider Facilities Directorate, including capital project managers and technical specialists; other professional support services; and academic faculties; to provide strong collaborative leadership of the project/programme.

Reporting to the Director of Campus Innovation: Masterplanning, Asset Management and Sustainability, you will have a strong financial understanding and experience of overseeing large complex projects or programmes. You will have a proven track record in writing compelling strategic business cases, for presentation at senior boards, and experience of effectively managing a diverse team of consultants.

What we offer in return:

  • 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
  • Generous pension scheme plus life assurance.
  • Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
  • Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
  • Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
  • And much more!

    Development Manager employer: University of Leeds

    The University of Leeds is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to sustainability, employees enjoy a supportive environment where they can lead impactful capital projects while benefiting from generous holiday allowances and access to state-of-the-art facilities. The opportunity to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the university's strategic vision makes this role particularly rewarding.
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    Contact Detail:

    University of Leeds Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Development Manager

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of Leeds or in similar roles. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for the interview by researching the University’s projects and sustainability initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their vision!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with complex projects and how you can lead teams effectively. We want to see your leadership skills shine through.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.

    We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager

    Project Management
    Capital Project Oversight
    Strategic Planning
    Financial Understanding
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Team Leadership
    Business Case Development
    Collaboration Skills
    Sustainability Knowledge
    Masterplanning
    Property Asset Management
    Communication Skills
    Adaptability
    Problem-Solving Skills

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Development Manager role. Highlight your experience with capital projects and your ability to lead diverse teams, as these are key aspects of the job.

    Showcase Your Financial Acumen: Since a strong financial understanding is crucial for this position, don’t forget to include examples of how you've managed budgets or financial plans in previous roles. This will show us you’re up for the challenge!

    Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Development Manager role.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!

    How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds

    ✨Know Your Projects Inside Out

    Make sure you’re familiar with the types of capital projects the University is involved in. Brush up on RIBA stages 0-4 and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with managing complex projects. This shows you’re not just interested, but also knowledgeable about their specific needs.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing diverse teams and collaborating with external stakeholders. Think about times when you successfully led a project or navigated challenges, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead major capital projects effectively.

    ✨Understand Their Vision and Values

    Research the University’s strategic goals, particularly around sustainability and masterplanning. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their net zero programme. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation's culture.

    ✨Prepare Compelling Business Cases

    Since writing strategic business cases is key for this role, practice articulating your thought process behind previous business cases you’ve developed. Be prepared to discuss how you presented these to senior boards and the outcomes, as this will highlight your communication skills and strategic thinking.

    Development Manager
    University of Leeds
    Location: Leeds
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