Development Director

Capstone Property Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading property recruitment firm in England is seeking a Development Director to spearhead major Build-to-Rent schemes in Manchester and the North West. The successful candidate will lead projects from development to delivery, collaborating with key stakeholders, and ensuring adherence to budgets and timelines. With 8–12+ years of experience in residential development, you will be integral to the firm's expansion in the UK market, focusing on innovative and sustainable housing solutions.

Qualifications

• Typically 8–12+ years' experience in residential development.
• Strong track record in delivering complex Build-to-Rent schemes.
• Experience with institutional capital or joint venture structures is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of major Build-to-Rent schemes.
• Manage local authorities, consultants, partners, and stakeholders.
• Oversee delivery of projects on programme, budget, and quality.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Commercial judgement

Technical knowledge in planning

Experience in residential development

Education

Degree in Surveying, Property, Construction, Architecture, or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Development Director

Build-to-Rent | Manchester

Capstone Recruitment is working exclusively with a well-capitalised international real estate investor and developer to appoint a Development Director / very Senior Development Manager to lead its Manchester and North West Build-to-Rent platform.

Backed by long-term institutional capital, the business is scaling a significant UK residential portfolio and is now seeking a senior development professional to take full regional ownership of major schemes in the North West.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of major Build-to-Rent schemes across Manchester and the wider North West.
• Act as the senior regional representative, managing local authorities, consultants, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Take ownership of technical due diligence on new development opportunities, working closely with legal and investment teams.
• Drive schemes through pre-planning, planning, and delivery, managing professional teams and external consultants.
• Oversee forward-funded and joint venture structures, ensuring projects are delivered on programme, budget, and quality.
• Work closely with the investment team on development appraisals, financial modelling, and viability assessments.
• Champion sustainability and ESG principles across all developments.
• Contribute to the strategic growth of a long-term UK Build-to-Rent platform, with a particular focus on regional cities.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Surveying, Property, Construction, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Typically 8–12+ years’ experience in residential development, with exposure to large-scale schemes.
• Strong track record delivering complex BTR, PRS, or major residential developments, ideally in Manchester or the North West.
• Comfortable operating autonomously with strong commercial judgement and stakeholder presence.
• Deep technical knowledge across planning, construction, procurement, and building regulations.
• Experience working with institutional capital, forward-funding, or joint venture structures is highly advantageous.