Associate - Development & Planning

Cushman & Wakefield; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushman & Wakefield is seeking an Associate in Manchester to cover development and planning work for public and private sector clients. The role focuses on strategy, viability, and delivery across major regeneration projects in the North of England.

You will lead business development, build client relationships, and advise on procurement, funding, and delivery models, working with stakeholders across public and private sectors.

Qualifications

• Proven experience advising public and private sector clients on development and regeneration projects.
• Strong understanding of development appraisals, viability assessments, funding structures and delivery models.
• Track record of winning work and developing client relationships.
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to identify opportunities for growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support business development activities across public and private sector clients.
• Advise clients on complex development and regeneration projects.
• Deliver development strategy, appraisals and viability studies.
• Oversee procurement of development partners and financial structuring.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to team growth.

Skills

Development advisory

Client management

Regeneration expertise

Stakeholder management

Excel skills

Project delivery

Education

MRICS or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Title

Associate - Development & Planning

Job Description Summary

Experienced consultant responding to the work load of the northern team and seeking to win work

Location

Manchester

Shape the Future of Places Across the North. Cushman & Wakefield's market-leading Land, Development & Planning team is expanding, and we're looking for an experienced Associate to join our Manchester office. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering some of the most significant development and regeneration projects across the North of England. From supporting the Government's New Towns programme and major town and city centre regeneration schemes, to large-scale housing developments, transport-led growth opportunities and Investment Zones, you'll be helping clients bring transformational projects to life. Working with a diverse mix of public and private sector clients, including Homes England, Mayoral Combined Authorities, Local Authorities, developers and investors, you'll provide strategic development advice throughout the entire project lifecycle, from feasibility and viability through to procurement, delivery and implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support business development activities, identifying and securing new opportunities across public and private sector clients.
• Act as a trusted adviser to clients on complex development and regeneration projects.
• Deliver strategic advice across: Development strategy and delivery
• Development appraisals and feasibility studies
• Viability, financial and funding assessments
• Procurement of development partners
• Commercial structuring and partnership models
• Land assembly, land preparation and disposal strategies
• Advise clients on the commercial delivery of large-scale development and regeneration schemes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and industry partners.
• Manage projects independently, ensuring successful delivery against client objectives.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Planning, Development, Agency, Valuation and Capital Markets to provide integrated client solutions.
• Mentor and support junior team members, contributing to the growth and success of the wider team.
• Drive innovation, process improvement and best practice across project delivery.

About You

We're keen to speak with candidates who have a strong background in development consultancy, regeneration, development advisory or a related property discipline, and who are looking to take the next step in their career within a leading global real estate firm.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience advising public and private sector clients on development and regeneration projects.
• Strong understanding of development appraisals, viability assessments, funding structures and delivery models.
• Demonstrable track record of winning work and developing client relationships.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify opportunities for growth and value creation.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and numerical capabilities, with advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous experience mentoring or managing team members would be advantageous.
• MRICS qualified (or equivalent demonstrable expertise within the development and property sector) preferred.

Why Join Cushman & Wakefield?

You'll be joining a collaborative and ambitious team that is influencing how places are planned, funded and delivered across the UK. You'll gain exposure to landmark projects, work with high-profile clients and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on communities, economies and the built environment. If you're passionate about development, regeneration and creating lasting value through property, we'd love to hear from you.

Cushman & Wakefield is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Cushman & Wakefield is committed to equity in employment, and our goal is to have a diverse, inclusive and barrier-free workplace.

If you are a person with a disability and need any other accessible accommodations during the hiring process, you are invited to bring this to the Talent Acquisition Advisor’s attention once they have made contact.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for occupiers and investors with approximately 53,000 employees in over 350 offices and nearly 60 countries. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core service lines of services, Leasing, Capital markets, and Valuation and other. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture.

For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com