Head of Development
Are you ready to lead a critical portfolio of legacy and remedial works across some of the UK's most high-profile residential and community buildings?
Our client are seeking a Head of Development to join their dynamic Special Projects division, based out of their regional office in Essex. This is a great opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping and delivering a significant legacy and building safety programmes in the UK residential sector.
About the Role
You'll take the lead on overseeing remedial and defect-related works across approximately 200 buildings, primarily in London, with further projects located throughout the UK. These works include the replacement and upgrade of essential fire and safety elements such as:
External cladding systems
Insulation and cavity barriers
Fire doors and alarm systems in both residential and communal areas
This is a high-impact leadership position. You'll oversee a dedicated Development team that inckudes an SDM, DM and trainee DM. You will support active delivery works, and ensure robust legal, contractual, and technical governance across all pre-start and ongoing projects. Additionally, you'll contribute to future growth by identifying new business opportunities and supporting the tendering process for incoming projects.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the Development team across all live and upcoming projects
Oversee remedial works, JCTs, settlement agreements, and legal risk mitigation strategies
Ensure thorough scope of works, liability clarity, and technical accuracy in documentation
Manage Life of Site approval processes and gateway governance checkpoints
Report project and compliance metrics at board level and respond to key regulatory bodies, including the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC)
Work closely with internal technical teams to compile and submit data reports
Support the Managing Director in maintaining and growing key stakeholder and partner relationships
Contribute to pipeline development and actively identify new tender and business development opportunities
What We're Looking For
A strategic leader with proven experience in residential development, remediation, or special projects
Strong knowledge of building safety regulations, fire compliance requirements, and the current regulatory landscape
Expertise in negotiation and governance, particularly in relation to JCT contracts and settlement agreements
Ability to manage a portfolio of complex projects while ensuring compliance, quality, and delivery standards
Confident communicator with strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
What's On Offer
Basic salary up to £90,000
Travel allowance
Generous performance-related bonus
Private healthcare
Pension scheme
Up to 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
A meaningful leadership role at the heart of a national safety-led programme