SeniorDevelopment Manager

The company

From day one, we have been driven by a clear vision: to transform the way people think about new-built developments.

Over 20 years later, that ethos is still very much alive, reflected in our numerous awards and reputation in the sector. Today, we employ over 200 people.

An infrastructure-led community creator and strategic land promoter, we are committed to partnerships, innovation and creating amazing places to live and work. We are industry-leading in sustainability and biodiversity. We were one of the first to introduce Zero Bills homes in partnership with Octopus Energy.

We pride ourselves on our ‘Infrastructure first’ approach, ensuring communities release the benefits of new development at the outset, rather than later in the process. We deliver social, affordable and retirement housing for a wide range of housing associations and local authorities.

People are our most important asset, and this is reflected in the way we operate. We are proud to be listed in the Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For 2024.

Our people enjoy excellent rewards and working conditions in an exciting and growing business. We offer exciting career opportunities, and are keen to develop, guide and support our employees, regardless of what stage they are in their careers.

We value diversity and encourage people to bring their full authentic selves to work. A Gold Armed Forces Covenant signatory and supporter of armed force’s charity Building Heroes, we operate a Talent for Development outreach campaign for military veterans and college leavers.

Work and fun should not be mutually exclusive and we offer a range of social events such as quiz nights, BBQs and all staff parties. We run informal lunch and learns and take on charity challenges such as the Housebuilder Challenge. We encourage people to volunteer in their communities, offering two paid days per year to do so. Where roles allow, our summer hours policy in June, July and August allows people to enjoy longer weekends with their loved ones. A flexible approach to working is available all year round.

We build communities, together.

The department

Alongside community delivery, we are a strategic land promoter, with significant strategic land interests across the SE of England. Supported by our in-house strategic land, strategic planning, external affairs and partnership teams, we successful identify, secure, manage and promote land opportunities to continue to expland our brand and portfolio

Development Management’s objective is to project manage the component parts taking Thakeham land opportunities through the planning cycles to ensure an implementable scheme is handed over to the Operations team.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Development Manager, with sound knowledge of the land, planning, design, engineering and other pre-development roles, to take projects through the pre-development process and beyond, from the initial securing of land opportunities, through to point at which the development has been successfully delivered.

The role

The primary responsibilities of the Senior Development Manager will be;

• Working with the Land department, where required, to ensure that financial, legal and technical due diligence is in order

• Responsible for negotiating and completing complex land agreements

• Custodian of the Development and Planning Strategies to ensure that sites are deliverable and viable

• Coordinating the internal project team, to take projects forward from the early pre-development stages

• Ensuring that the project planning and pre-development programmes are clearly established and complied with

• Managing the internal Pre-Plan Process

• Leading / attending external meetings with external stakeholders, as required

• Managing project financial appraisals, including cashflows & cost reporting to ensure development viability

• Inputting into S106 legal agreements to ensure scheme deliverability

• Aid with land valuation / site purchase, as required

• Aid with RP sales / site sales / third party land transfers / securing of third party rights, as required

• Managing / coaching / mentoring junior team members, where required

This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience.

The required skills

• Experience of the development process, from land acquisition through to site delivery, including good knowledge of the planning process

• Knowledge of / ability to run development financial appraisals and cashflows, combined with commercial awareness and acumen

• Ability to negotiate

• Project programming skills

• Experience of legal process / documentation and awareness of relevant impact on projects and the wider business

• Strong people management skills

• Excellent knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel & Outlook)

• Excellent communication skills and confidence to liaise with people

• Good attention to detail and organisational skills

• Effective time management skills

• Professional approach with high degree of discretion

• Willing to be flexible and get involved with a wide range of tasks

• Ability to work on own initiative and generate solutions

• RICS accreditation whilst not essential, may be advantageous

The benefits

• Competitive salary 

• Car allowance

• Salary sacrifice car scheme 

• Annual holiday allowance 26 days increasing to 27 after 3yrs service and 28 after 5yrs service (plus bank holidays) 

• Life assurance 

• Private medical insurance 

• Health screening 

• Pension scheme 

• Bonus scheme 

• Flexible working hours in a modern office environment / Working from Home Policy 

• Excellent development and progression opportunities for the right candidate 

• Company Social events  

Plus a whole range of other employee benefits that we can tell you all about, our employees are rewarded for their performance, attitude and results.

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We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating people fairly. We will treat all job applicants and employees equally regardless of age, race, religious belief, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We welcome applicants from all sectors of society and we are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all.

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