Development Manager

Livewest; Clyst Honiton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A housing development company is looking for a Development Manager to oversee projects from approval to completion. This role involves managing affordable housing developments while ensuring compliance with regulations and fostering a positive health and safety culture. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications and experience in construction or property development. The position offers hybrid working and generous benefits, including annual leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension contribution up to 9%

Health care cash plan

Learning and development opportunities

Wellbeing support initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience working within construction or property development.
• Knowledge of post-construction practices and contract law.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver affordable and open market projects.
• Monitor project progress and cash-flow forecasts.
• Implement procurement processes and liaise internally.

Skills

Knowledge of development processes

Understanding of viability principles

Strong communication skills

Ability to manage project risks

Proficiency in business systems

Education

Relevant qualification in Construction and/or Project Management

Good literacy and numeracy skills

Job description

About The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Development Manager to join us on a 9-month secondment. In this role, you will play a key part in delivering high-quality new homes within LiveWest’s development programme. You’ll manage projects from approval through construction to completion, ensuring compliance with all internal and external requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver affordable, mixed tenure and open market projects in line with business plans and budgets.
• Oversee project specifications, contracts, and agreements to ensure compliance.
• Monitor project progress, cash-flow forecasts and address variances promptly.
• Implement procurement processes and direct consultants and contractors.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, Homes England audit requirements, and CDM regulations.
• Liaise internally to ensure governance, approvals, and smooth handover of projects.
• Lead post‑completion reviews to capture lessons learned and improve future developments.
• Promote a positive health and safety culture across all projects.

Why You Should Apply

This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a varied and rewarding role where you’ll make a real impact on the delivery of new homes. You’ll work with a collaborative team and gain valuable experience in managing complex development projects.

The role is full time, 37 hours per week. It is field and office based, with hybrid working available.

For further information about this role and LiveWest, please view our candidate information pack.

About the Candidate

To be successful in your application for the role of Development Manager, you will have the essential skills and experience for a Level 1 – Team Member role and the following role‑specific skills and experience:

Essential Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of development processes, post‑construction practices, and contract law.
• Understanding of viability principles, risk management, and property valuation.
• Familiarity with audit requirements of public bodies and health and safety/CDM regulations.
• Experience working within construction or property development, managing complex development projects and budgets.
• Ability to assess and manage project risks effectively.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in relevant business systems and handling legal/financial information.
• Ability to prioritise workload, meet performance targets, and work under pressure.
• Confidence in dealing with diverse stakeholders and resolving queries.

Qualifications

• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Relevant qualification in Construction and/or Project Management in housing.

Desirable

• Additional experience or qualifications relevant to housing development and project delivery.

Please Note

This role is not eligible for CoS. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the role without requiring a CoS.

Company Benefits

• Hybrid working.
• Generous annual leave: Start with 26 days plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with length of service, option to purchase up to 5 extra days.
• Pension contribution up to 9% employer contribution.
• Health benefits and perks: health care cash plan (up to £1,100 annually), virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, retail discounts and Blue Light Card.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Family support policies, new child payment.
• Wellbeing support: mental health support, enhanced sick pay, wellness campaigns, free flu jabs.
• Smarter travel: Cycle to Work and Car Benefit schemes.
• Paid volunteering days: up to four per year.

About LiveWest

LiveWest is committed to creating a home for everyone. Our values emphasise collaboration and inclusion, and we support our colleagues to thrive. As one of the largest employers in the South West, we provide a wide range of services to 80,000 customers and nurture local talent.