Senior Development Manager
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Development Manager to join a leading UK housebuilder and regeneration specialist. Based in East London, this is a key leadership role for a commercially astute and delivery-focused professional with a strong background in residential development.
You will play a central role in managing complex schemes from early acquisition through to planning, legal, and delivery stages-ensuring developments are viable, compliant, and delivered on time and to budget.
Package & Benefits
Basic Salary: To £90,000
Travel Allowance
Private Healthcare
Pension Scheme
Performance Bonus
25 Days Annual Leave (plus bank holidays)
Excellent long-term career progression and development opportunitiesKey Responsibilities
Support the Land and New Business teams in early-stage development planning and, where appropriate, lead on land acquisitions or renegotiations.
Identify and address key development issues pre-purchase, coordinating with internal teams to ensure a smooth transition into project delivery.
Lead the early handover of development sites to the full project team.
Agree and manage construction budgets and delivery programmes, regularly reviewing progress against development checklists.
Maintain accurate development budget data using internal appraisal systems.
Liaise with Legal, Technical, and external Solicitors to ensure timely completion of:
Conveyance plans
Section 38/104 agreements
Open space agreements
Wayleaves/easements
Freehold transfers
Ensure compliance with ISO9001 and contribute to environmental and sustainability targets.
Submit Post Investment Reviews and support the completion of Project Close Out Reports.
Actively manage development programmes, identify risks early, and resolve issues to prevent delays.
Undertake land appraisals and maintain up-to-date project data for reporting and budget monitoring.
Prepare internal approval documentation, including risk registers, and ensure full audit trail compliance.
Appoint and manage external legal advisors and consultant teams (architects, engineers, etc.).
Oversee planning application submissions and manage pre-construction technical information.
Coordinate supporting surveys, reports, and assessments to facilitate planning and design.
Foster strong communication between internal teams and external partners to ensure effective project delivery.
Represent the company professionally at client meetings, planning consultations, and with external stakeholders.
Evaluate new development opportunities and prepare feasibility studies and offer documents.
Actively network and build client relationships to help secure future business.
Support a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across teams.Candidate Profile
Extensive experience in residential or mixed-use development, ideally within housebuilding or regeneration.
Strong understanding of planning, land acquisition, legal frameworks, and construction processes.
Proven ability to lead projects from inception through delivery with commercial focus and attention to detail.
Skilled in contract negotiation, land appraisals, and financial modelling.
Excellent communication, organisational, and team coordination skills.
Relevant qualifications in development, construction, real estate, or planning