Senior Development Manager

Senior Development Manager

Location: London (Hybrid - 2-3 days on site)
Rate: £681 per day (Inside IR35 - Umbrella only)
Duration: 6-12 months (likely extension)

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Development Manager to lead complex, mixed-use real estate development and regeneration projects across the organisation. Working within the Development Programme team, you will drive delivery from feasibility through to on-site completion, ensuring that projects maximise financial returns, social value, and alignment with our clients priorities for housing and employment growth.

You will manage multidisciplinary project teams, oversee commercial negotiations, lead on development appraisals, and secure the funding and partnerships necessary for successful regeneration outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of mixed-use development and regeneration projects, delivering both financial and social outcomes.
• Oversee feasibility, investment approval, site assembly, procurement, statutory approvals and delivery phases.
• Manage project governance, risk, and reporting across key metrics (time, cost, quality).
• Undertake complex financial viability appraisals, ensuring ongoing project viability and income performance.
• Negotiate development agreements and contracts with private and not-for-profit partners.
• Commission and manage external professional advisors (legal, technical, and financial).
• Lead internal and external partnerships to optimise land use and align with the Council's housing and employment strategies.
• Engage with local communities and stakeholders to ensure inclusive consultation and transparent communication.
• Manage and motivate a team of Development Managers and Assistant Development Managers.
• Ensure all statutory, environmental, and equalities obligations are fully met.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in real estate, planning, development, or a related field; MRICS desirable.
• Significant (5-10+ years) experience leading large-scale property development and regeneration projects, within local government or a housing assosiation.
• Proven track record of delivering complex, mixed-use developments, including residential and commercial elements.
• Strong understanding of statutory planning, viability modelling, and risk management.
• Experience of land assembly, development procurement and public sector processes (eg OJEU/frameworks).
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and external consultants.
• Strong stakeholder management and political awareness.
• Demonstrable commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience reporting to senior officers and Members.

Core Behaviours

• Focuses on People: Empowers teams, values collaboration and inclusivity, ensures strong community engagement.
• Takes Ownership: Delivers results proactively, manages budgets effectively, and drives improvement.
• Works Collaboratively: Builds strong internal and external partnerships to deliver shared outcomes.
• Communicates Effectively: Engages openly and transparently with stakeholders.
• Focuses on Results: Achieves measurable outcomes aligned to Council objectives.

Additional Information

• Full UK working rights required.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required for community consultations and public meetings.
• Role is inside IR35 and payable via an umbrella company only.