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- 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.
Do you have the drive to tackle some of the toughest housing challenges in the country and turn stalled sites into thriving communities?
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is looking for a Development Manager (Delivery) to join our Housing, Property and Regeneration Directorate. This role offers the chance to help unlock stalled housing projects and bring forward challenging sites that others have walked away from.
You will play a crucial role in managing and appraising applications for grant funding, with a strong focus on enabling the delivery of complex brownfield housing schemes. This is not a traditional investment role. Instead, you will focus on using public subsidies to unlock and de-risk projects that would otherwise remain unviable.
You will work on some of the most significant and complex development opportunities in the country, collaborating with a wide range of public and private sector partners. The work you do will help accelerate housing delivery, regenerate places, and support inclusive economic growth across the West Midlands.
This is a twelve-month fixed-term contract.
What you will be doing.
- Manage and appraise funding applications from developers and local authorities, ensuring alignment with WMCA\’s strategic priorities and investment criteria
- Lead the preparation of investment cases by undertaking technical due diligence, reviewing development appraisals and assessing risk and deliverability
- Provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to internal boards, including the WMCA Investment Board, to ensure the safeguarding of public funds
- Act as a central contact for key partners such as local authorities, developers, investors and agents, supporting projects from concept through to delivery
- Commission and manage external advisors including legal, valuation, technical and planning consultants
- Identify opportunities to de-risk sites, such as addressing planning constraints, infrastructure needs or remediation issues, and advise on strategies to accelerate development
- Represent WMCA in project steering groups and senior stakeholder meetings, building strong delivery partnerships across the region
- Champion WMCA\’s role in unlocking housing growth and regeneration, and contribute to wider objectives around inclusive growth, sustainability and placemaking
What\’s essential.
- A strong background in real estate development, regeneration or property investment, with a detailed understanding of the development process
- Experience appraising development opportunities and preparing robust, financially sound business cases for public funding
- Proven ability to manage complex land or development projects, with a focus on delivery, viability and risk management
- Confidence in influencing and negotiating with senior stakeholders, particularly across organisational boundaries
- A track record of working collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams and managing external consultants
- Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in relation to technical constraints such as contamination, infrastructure, planning and access
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce briefings and reports for both technical and non-technical audiences
Location.
The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.
How to apply.
Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.
- Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
- Build your Profile.Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
- Write your Supporting Statement.Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
- Submit your application.Do one final check and once complete, click submit.
Anonymised Applications.
Your uploaded CV won\’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it\’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.
Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.
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 advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
- 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you have ample time to relax.
- ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
- Discounted gym membership.
- 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.
For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.
Why join WMCA?
WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.
We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it\’s needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people\’s lives, every day.
Creating an inclusive workplace.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We\’re a Disability Confident Employer with Leader\’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.
We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don\’t fit the traditional \”perfect candidate\” mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don\’t let these factors deter you from applying
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).
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Development Manager employer: West Midlands Combined Authority
Contact Detail:
West Midlands Combined Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager
✨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
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.