At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage high-impact residential development projects from planning to completion.
- Company: Join Watkin Jones, a forward-thinking company with a rich history in building homes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, health plan, and 25 days of leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven project management experience in construction and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join our innovative team within the Watkin Jones Group Delivery function. As the Development Project Manager, you will spearhead the delivery of residential development schemes, both self-build and 3rd party projects. Your expertise will guide projects through the full lifecycle—from risk assessment and program management to cost control and design oversight. Reporting to the Development Project Director, you'll act as the crucial link between Investment & Development, the Watkin Jones Construction Team, third-party contractors, external consultants, and clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- You will lead and manage development projects in alignment with the agreed RACI, ensuring that schemes are delivered on time and within budget, meeting the necessary quality standards.
- This includes overseeing all project milestones, coordinating the activities of third-party consultants and contractors, and managing their appointments.
- You will be responsible for presenting progress reports and challenging processes to ensure value for money, while closely monitoring the performance of professional teams and contractors.
- A crucial aspect of this role is managing projects from RIBA stage 3 to 7, ensuring smooth transitions and efficient delivery across all phases of development.
- You will also ensure that all legal due diligence and compliance requirements are met for each development project.
Core Objectives:
- In this role, you will bring extensive experience in delivering residential developments, including Purpose Built Student Accommodation and Build-to-Rent projects.
- You will be experienced in the post-planning consent processes, managing the project delivery from planning approval through to completion.
- Problem-solving will be central to your approach, ensuring that complex challenges are resolved efficiently, and high-quality outcomes are achieved.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in project management within the construction or development sector.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and drive projects to successful completion.
- Familiarity with RIBA Outline Plan of Work 2020 and other industry standards.
What We Offer:
- Discretionary annual bonus, cash paid health plan, life insurance, and more.
- A pivotal role within a forward-thinking organisation and the opportunity to work on diverse and exciting projects.
- 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), agile approach to work and discounted gym memberships.
- Company car or allowance, exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.
About Us:
Watkin Jones was established in 1791 and has been building homes since 1927. More recently, we listed on the AIM market in 2016 with a market cap of £255m (current market cap c. £550m). In FY2020 we generated gross revenue of £354m and a Gross Profit of £75.9m. Our position in the market is based on a ‘capital light' model, where we typically work with institutional forward funders. Watkin Jones' success to date has been based on our emphasis on building relationships of trust, our customer focus and our forward-thinking structure. Our intention is to create the future of living, which to us means high quality rental homes, community focus and sustainably driven development.
If you have a passion for delivering high-quality developments and the skills to navigate complex projects from planning through completion, we want to hear from you!
Development Manager employer: Watkin Jones
Contact Detail:
Watkin Jones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work and how your skills can contribute to their success. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in managing development projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background aligns with the role of Development Project Manager. Focus on your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed multiple stakeholders in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our innovative team at Watkin Jones.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Development Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing residential developments and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with RIBA stages and project management.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in past projects. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and deliver high-quality outcomes, so don’t hold back!
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 dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watkin Jones
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've worked on, especially those related to residential developments. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and experience in managing complex projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with RIBA Stages
Since the role involves managing projects from RIBA stage 3 to 7, brush up on the RIBA Outline Plan of Work 2020. Being able to speak confidently about these stages and how they relate to your past experiences will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you manage multiple stakeholders and ensure effective communication. Think of examples where you successfully coordinated between different teams or external consultants, and be prepared to explain your approach to maintaining strong relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Development Project Manager, your leadership skills are crucial. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've motivated teams and driven projects to successful completion. Highlight any instances where you challenged processes to improve efficiency or value for money.