Development Graduate
The company
From day one, Thakeham has 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, Thakeham employs close to 250 people and has a forecasted revenue of £199 million in 2024/25.
An infrastructure-led community creator and strategic land promoter, Thakeham is committed to partnerships, innovation and creating amazing places to live and work. We are industry-leading in sustainability and biodiversity. Every Thakeham home completion will be Net Zero Carbon by 2025 and 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 Thakeham’s most important asset, and this is reflected in the way we operate. We were recognised in the prestigious ‘Best Places to Work 2023’ and are listed in the Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For 2023.
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, Thakeham operates a Talent for Development outreach campaign for military veterans and college leavers.
Work and fun should not be mutually exclusive and Thakeham offers 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.
At Thakeham we build communities, together.
The department
The Development Management department is responsible for: securing viable and deliverable planning permissions. Working closely with the internal teams; progressing Thakeham’s portfolio of sites through the promotion phase and securing planning permission to developing the exit strategy for residential-led developments.
We work closely with all departments across the business and across the wider business to innovate solutions and drive projects forward.
The role
The successful candidate will be working alongside the team to research financial and legal due diligence and ensure that processes and procedures are followed in the promotion of sites and pre-development process to secure planning permission. Training and support will be provided to ensure the successful candidate gets broad exposure to types and sizes of projects to enable their knowledge and expertise to grow. Support will also be given to enable the candidate to work towards RICS chartered membership.
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic graduate, with excellent analytical and communication skills.
The successful candidate will be:
1) Assisting and management of portfolio sites
- Supporting senior members where required across projects.
- Undertaking financial modelling.
- Undertaking title due diligence.
- Developing constraints plans and assisting in innovating solutions.
- Liaising with project teams where required to assist in progression of promotions.
- To research market trends and products.
2) Assisting in Land Securement
- To maintain trackers and monitor liabilities.
- In market research and financial viability.
- Undertake due diligence.
- Prepare Option Sign Off memos.
- Assisting in running Development Bids.
3) Background Research and Meetings:
- Attendance at meetings to support senior colleagues by note taking, taking meeting minutes and assisting with administration.
- Assisting team members by undertaking legal and market research when requested.
- Updating trackers and monitors
- Attend internal and external meetings as required
- Participate in team CPD or to advise on content of external CPD attended.
- Attend external CPD
This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience.
The required skills
- Relevant work experience preferable
- Degree qualified in Planning & Property Development, Town Planning, Human Geography or similar course
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel & Outlook)
- Excellent communication skills
- Knowledge and understanding of local government and the planning process in England
- Can-do attitude and able to take the initiative
- Hardworking, flexible, pro-active team player with the ability to work to tight deadlines
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
- Driving licence and own car for travel (mileage paid)
The benefits
- Competitive salary
- 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.
#happytotalkflexibleworking
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.
