At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage funding applications and lead investment case preparations for housing projects.
- Company: Join WMCA, dedicated to transforming the West Midlands through housing and regeneration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and discounts on shopping and gym memberships.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; we value diversity and encourage all to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by tackling housing challenges and supporting community growth in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in real estate development and strong problem-solving skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Development Manager (Acquisitions and Disposals) to join our Housing, Property and Regeneration team. This is a key role supporting the delivery of some of the UK's largest housing, regeneration and transport projects. You will play a key part in shaping investment decisions, developing business cases and providing expert commercial and technical advice across complex, high-value schemes within a challenging and fast-moving political environment.
Working as part of a specialist property team, you will manage a varied caseload involving the acquisition and disposal of land and property in line with RICS standards and the Authority's constitution. You will provide professional advice on a wide range of property matters including valuations, due diligence, compulsory purchase, compensation, investment opportunities and development delivery.
The role will see you working across a diverse portfolio of projects, developing acquisition, disposal and investment strategies that unlock development opportunities and support inclusive growth across the West Midlands. Please note that this role is being offered as a twelve month fixed term contract.
What you will be doing
- Identify, appraise and acquire or dispose of development sites across housing, regeneration and transport schemes, including supporting compulsory purchase activity where appropriate
- Develop robust business cases and investment proposals to support funding and delivery decisions
- Lead technical due diligence activities including valuations, appraisals and site investigations
- Negotiate land and property transactions with landowners, developers, agents and public sector bodies
- Develop and implement strategies to de-risk sites and accelerate delivery
- Work collaboratively with local authorities, developers, investors and delivery partners to enable successful outcomes
- Coordinate external consultants and multidisciplinary professional teams
- Prepare reports and recommendations for WMCA boards, steering groups and governance panels
- Support the allocation and assurance of devolved housing and land funding
- Identify opportunities to attract private sector investment and maximise development potential
- Build strong partnerships and maintain effective stakeholder relationships across the public and private sectors
- Represent WMCA within complex stakeholder and political environments
What's essential
You will bring strong commercial awareness, excellent stakeholder management skills and significant experience within land, property, development or regeneration.
- Experience across the full development lifecycle, from site identification through to delivery
- A strong track record of identifying and appraising development opportunities
- Experience preparing business cases, funding proposals and investment strategies
- Strong negotiation skills relating to land acquisition, disposal or joint ventures
- Extensive experience managing complex land and development projects to time and budget
- The ability to solve problems across technically challenging sites and projects
- Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and organisations with competing priorities
- Experience managing external consultants and advisors
- Excellent report writing, presentation and communication skills
- A collaborative and solutions-focused approach
Reasonable adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ( careers@wmca.org.uk ).
Salary and benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
- Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
- 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
- EV car benefit scheme
- Healthcare plans.
- Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
- An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
- 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
- Interest‑free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
- Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big‑name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
- Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
- Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.
Right to Work in the UK
- Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
- Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Development Manager in Birmingham employer: West Midlands Combined Authority
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer dedicated to tackling housing challenges and fostering community development in the West Midlands. With a strong focus on employee growth, WMCA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave, pension schemes, and opportunities for volunteering, all within a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diversity and innovation. Joining WMCA means being part of a mission-driven team that makes a tangible difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive environment that champions professional development.
Contact Details:
West Midlands Combined Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific housing challenges in the West Midlands. Understanding local issues will help you demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during interviews, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in real estate development and regeneration. Attend local events or join relevant online forums to connect with others in the field, which can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex land projects and public funding. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges, as this will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research WMCA's recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your skills align with their goals, making you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Development Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific challenges mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is crucial. Address each of the essential criteria listed in the job description clearly and concisely. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in real estate development, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on roles that involved managing complex projects or appraising funding applications. Emphasise your problem-solving skills and any experience you have with brownfield housing schemes or public funding.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, take the time to proofread your application. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your CV and supporting statement are well-structured and easy to read. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Midlands Combined Authority
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Development Manager role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges related to housing development, especially in the context of the West Midlands. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Prepare Evidence-Based Examples
Be ready to discuss your past experiences with real estate development and regeneration. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects, appraise funding applications, and influence stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Given the focus on de-risking projects, be prepared to discuss how you've tackled technical constraints in previous roles. Highlight your problem-solving skills and provide examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges such as planning issues or infrastructure needs.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves collaboration with various partners, demonstrate your ability to build relationships. Be ready to discuss how you've worked with local authorities, developers, and other stakeholders in the past. Show that you can communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
