Development Director in London

Wendover is seeking an experienced Development Director to join our London team, responsible for leading commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments from early-stage design and planning through construction and delivery. This is a hands-on role overseeing consultant and contractor teams, managing cost and programme, and providing clear reporting on progress, risk, and delivery.

The ideal candidate will have 9-15 years of relevant experience in construction, property development, design, and/or project management, with a strong working knowledge of commercial office, retail, and residential schemes. You will have direct experience working with architects, engineers, main contractors, quantity surveyors, sub-contractors, and developer-side teams, and be comfortable leading teams of varying sizes in fast-paced environments.

• Design, Planning & Technical Review: Ability to review/comment on architectural, structural, building services (MEP), and interior architectural drawings working with internal stakeholders and other consultants. Experience with local planning authorities, building regulators, and utility companies throughout the design refinement and planning consent process. Keeps abreast of UK planning, building regulations, and construction industry regulatory changes affecting development/construction requirements to take advantage of or compensate for the changes which may impact projects. Coordination and management of the consultant team, including planners, engineers, architects, utility companies, quantity surveyors, and other third-party consultants, alongside the contractor team. Assist with the preparation of tender documentation, RFP/RFQ’s, consultant bids and appointments. Drive the pre-construction process by creating and updating programmes, budgets, timelines, and projections, as necessary. In some cases, managing multiple contractors in their budgeting, scheduling, or GMP / lump-sum price preparation. Also needs to work closely with leasing and asset management teams. Ensure timely delivery of project milestones through the preparation, review, and management of project programmes, coordinating all relevant parties. Ability to develop and manage project-specific cost plans and understand cost control and cash-flow management.
• Construction Oversight: Monitor multiple projects during construction through periodic on-site observations, identifying projects that require additional management focus. Provide clear, suitably detailed internal reporting across multiple projects at varying stages, including cost, programme and completion forecasts. Recognise and assess risks through the due diligence process. Identify and resolve problems and develop alternative solutions in a timely manner.

• Experience: 9+ years’ of relevant Construction, Property Development, Design, and/or Project Management experience.
• Education: Bachelors or higher degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, planning, or a related business degree – Architectural/Construction/Land Development/Real Estate programs are preferred.
• Strong computer skills, including AUTOCAD, Microsoft Office (excel, word, and project), Adobe Design Suite, and Google applications preferred. Working knowledge of Procore, Primavera (or equivalent) are a plus.
• Strong written/verbal communications and negotiation/presentation skills. Adapt to understanding real estate development principles and strategies. Detail-oriented and organized work habits. Ability to act and operate independently with minimal daily direction. Candidates should have excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to work well under pressure. Ensure confidentiality of all privileged and proprietary information.

Why Join Us? You will play a central role within a lean, senior team, working closely with principals and stakeholders on high-impact commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects. The role offers real ownership, visibility across the full development lifecycle, and the opportunity to influence decision-making from early strategy through delivery. This is an opportunity for a driven, commercially minded professional to take meaningful responsibility and help shape projects at a firm known for thoughtful, design-led development.