Development Manager

Cognisant; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A strategic land development firm based in London is seeking a hands-on Development Manager to oversee large-scale development projects. This role combines commercial responsibility with the opportunity to influence community development from acquisition to sale, focusing on mixed-use sites. The ideal candidate will have commercial land sales experience and be confident in managing negotiations. This role offers significant responsibility and influence, distinct from typical housebuilding positions.

Qualifications

• Development or Project Manager experience in site disposals or commercial transactions.
• Strong commercial focus and experience in residential or mixed-use strategic land.
• Confident in managing legal teams and negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial land sales and disposal strategies across multiple sites.
• Manage appraisals, valuations, and negotiations.
• Work closely with planning and technical teams.
• Oversee contracts and legal agreements.
• Identify value opportunities and risks.

Skills

Commercial land sales strategies

Negotiations with developers

Site disposal management

Financial appraisals

Job description

Development Manager – Strategic Land & Disposals.

London.

Cognisant has partnered with a strategic land developer who is looking for a hands‑on Development Manager to take sites from acquisition through planning, servicing, and sale. This role combines commercial responsibility with real exposure to large‑scale, mixed‑use development, from housing and schools to open space and infrastructure.

What you’ll do:

• Lead commercial land sales and disposal strategies across multiple sites
• Manage appraisals, valuations, and negotiations with developers and investors
• Work closely with planning, technical, and infrastructure teams to get sites market‑ready
• Oversee contracts, legal agreements, and disposal processes
• Identify value opportunities and risks, contributing to financial appraisals

Who we’re looking for:

• Development, Project or Land Manager with experience in site disposals or commercial transactions
• Technical or development professionals with a strong commercial focus
• Confident managing advisors, legal teams, and developer negotiations
• Experience across residential or mixed‑use strategic land

This is not a typical housebuilder role – you’ll have end‑to‑end responsibility, real commercial influence, and the chance to see your decisions shape communities.