Development Manager

Deverell Smith Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established residential developer in London seeks a Development Manager to oversee multiple projects from inception to completion. The ideal candidate has a strong background in residential development, an understanding of town planning processes, and strong financial skills. This role offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative team focused on creating affordable housing solutions for Londoners.

Qualifications

• Degree-educated in Real Estate, Planning, Development or similar.
• MRICS qualification desirable.
• Proven residential development experience in London.
• Strong understanding of town planning and local authority engagement.
• Commercially astute with excellent financial skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple development projects from inception to completion.
• Take ownership of financial appraisals for profitability.
• Lead the town planning process and stakeholder engagement.
• Represent the business at planning committees.
• Collaborate with internal teams for aligned delivery.

Skills

Residential development experience

Understanding of town planning processes

Financial and analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Relevant degree (Real Estate, Planning, Development)

Job description

Development Manager

deverellsmith is proud to be exclusively partnering with a well‑established residential developer dedicated to creating affordable, high‑quality homes for Londoners. The business has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative housing solutions that balance design quality, sustainability, and community value.

We are seeking a Development Manager with experience in London residential development to support the Head of Development.

The role

• Manage of multiple development projects (typically 2-3) from inception to construction completion.
• Take ownership of financial appraisals and ensure performance aligns with profitability and programme objectives.
• Assemble and manage professional consultant teams through RIBA Stages 0-3, including appointments, instructions, and regular design team meetings.
• Lead the town planning process, including stakeholder engagement, local authority liaison, and public consultation.
• Represent the business at planning committees and lead negotiations on Section 106 agreements.
• Manage the smooth handover between the land acquisition team and project management team.
• Ensure satisfaction of land contract and funder conditions to enable drawdowns.
• Negotiate and manage third‑party agreements and maintain key external relationships.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams across finance, design, and project management to ensure aligned delivery.

Person Specification

• Degree‑educated, ideally in a relevant field (Real Estate, Planning, Development, or similar).
• MRICS qualification desirable.
• Proven residential development experience, ideally within London and across multiple tenure types.
• Strong understanding of town planning processes and local authority engagement.
• Commercially astute with excellent financial and analytical skills.
• Collaborative team player with an eye for detail and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Genuine interest in and empathy for the company's mission to provide affordable homes for Londoners.