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 £90k
• Travel Allowance
• Private Healthcare
• Pension Scheme
• Performance Bonus
• 25 Days Annual Leave (plus bank holidays)
• Excellent long-term career progression and development opportunities

Key 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.