Associate Director Development Monitoring

CBRE Group, Inc.; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Group, Inc. seeks an Associate Director to lead Development Monitoring across a diverse UK/EMEA portfolio. You will review pre-construction appraisals, cost plans and funding documentation, and provide independent oversight from inception to completion.

You will manage risk, protect client investments and report on progress with clear recommendations. The role requires MRICS qualification with at least 3 years post-qualification experience in Development Monitoring, strong communication,

Qualifications

• MRICS in Building Surveying (or equivalent) is required.
• Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience in development monitoring or related field.
• Strong technical knowledge of development appraisal, cost plans, and funding documentation.
• Excellent communication and ability to engage with lenders, investors and clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver Development Monitoring services across project lifecycles.
• Conduct pre-construction appraisals, due diligence, cost plans, cash flow forecasts and warranties.
• Identify risks and provide mitigation strategies for clients.
• Monitor progress through site inspections, assess compliance with programmes and quality standards.
• Verify construction progress for drawdown and finance alignment.
• Prepare independent client reports with clear recommendations and outcomes.
• Engage with developers, contractors, design teams and stakeholders.
• Support leadership and mentoring of project teams and business development initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with CBRE policies and QA procedures.

Education

MRICS (Building Surveying pathway)

3+ years post-qualification in Development Monitoring or related field

Job description

Role Purpose

This is a pivotal opportunity for an Associate Director-level Development Monitoring specialist to join our dynamic London Technical Due Diligence team. You will play a critical role in safeguarding our clients' investments across a diverse portfolio of property development projects. Acting as the 'eyes and ears' for lenders, investors, and prospective occupiers, you will provide independent oversight and expert advice from pre-construction through to completion, ensuring developments align with contractual, financial, and quality expectations. This role spans a wide range of commercially focused professional consultancy work across the UK and EMEA, covering everything from single assets to large-scale portfolios and platform deals.

Key Responsibilities

As an Associate Director, you will lead and deliver comprehensive Development Monitoring services, protecting our clients' interests throughout the entire project lifecycle. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Pre-Construction Appraisal & Due Diligence: Conducting thorough initial appraisals of proposed developments, including detailed reviews of planning approvals, development appraisals, cost plans, cash flow forecasts, proposed timelines, contracts, warranties, professional appointments, insurance, and statutory consents.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Proactively identifying and evaluating potential financial, legal, contractual, and construction-related risks, advising clients on mitigation strategies to protect their investment.
• Ongoing Project Monitoring: Undertaking regular site inspections to assess progress against agreed programmes, quality of workmanship, adherence to specifications, and compliance with health & safety standards and statutory requirements.
• Financial Control & Drawdown Validation: Independently verifying construction progress to validate and advise on staged drawdown requests for finance, ensuring alignment with actual on-site works and cost management.
• Reporting & Communication: Preparing and delivering comprehensive, independent reports to clients, detailing project status, identified risks, progress against budget and programme, and providing clear recommendations.
• Stakeholder Management: Engaging effectively with developers, contractors, design teams, and other stakeholders, fostering collaborative relationships while representing the client's interests.
• Leadership & Team Management: Taking responsibility for managing client and project teams to deliver Development Monitoring instructions profitably and on time.
• Business Development: Actively collaborating with other CBRE colleagues and departments to identify and cultivate new business opportunities within Development Monitoring, contributing positively to the team and departmental business plan.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensuring all activities comply with CBRE’s policies, management systems, and Quality Management procedures, upholding the highest professional standards.

Person Specification

We are seeking a highly motivated and commercially astute individual with a proven track record in Development Monitoring.

• Qualifications: MRICS qualified (Building Surveying pathway) with at least 3 years of relevant post-qualification experience in Development Monitoring or a closely related field.
• Technical Expertise: Strong technical knowledge and practical experience in evaluating construction projects from a lender/investor perspective. In-depth understanding of construction processes, contracts (e.g., JCT, NEC), procurement methods, and statutory consents. Proficiency in reviewing development appraisals, cost plans, programmes, and financial documentation related to development funding.
• Core Competencies: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of articulating complex technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and assess risks, providing robust and pragmatic advice. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Analytical mindset with excellent attention to detail, capable of providing concise and clear written communication.
• A proactive, client-focused approach with strong commercial acumen and a commitment to exceeding client expectations.
• Teamwork & Leadership: Able to work effectively both independently and as part of multi-disciplinary teams, providing mentorship and delegating tasks while maintaining accountability.
• Business Development: Proven ability to build, develop, and maintain existing business and client relationships, and contribute to business development activities.
• Flexibility: Willingness to travel throughout the UK and across EMEA as required.