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 the team 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 confidential
• 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