Development Manager

Vistry Group PLC; Old Coulsdon; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected property development firm in Old Coulsdon seeks a Development Manager to lead pre-construction phases of projects. The role requires strong financial acumen to manage viability assessments and coordinate with various teams. Candidates should possess experience in property development, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. The firm supports flexible working and values integrity, caring, and quality. Competitive salary, bonus, and several benefits are offered, including a company car or travel allowance.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Company car or travel allowance

Up to 39 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Strong financial acumen is essential for this role.
• Experience in property development or the housing industry is required.
• Ability to understand and interpret complex legal documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the pre-construction phases of development projects.
• Coordinate legal, design, planning, and viability matters.
• Manage multiple projects ensuring timely delivery.

Skills

Financial acumen

Project management

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

A level standard or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Group software (Coins)

Job description

In a Nutshell…

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Development Manager to join our team within Vistry South East, based at our Caterham office. As our Development Manager, you will lead the pre-construction phases of development projects, managing legal, design, planning, and scheme viability matters, while coordinating closely with estimating, mobilisation, and construction teams.

A key requirement for this role is a strong financial acumen. You will be responsible for coordinating and interrogating complex viability assessments across multiple sites and phases. This will involve using Group software and advanced Microsoft Excel modelling to deliver robust, data-driven appraisals. The ideal candidate will be confident in applying innovative problem-solving techniques to optimise project outcomes and ensure commercial viability.

We value in-person collaboration and team culture, but we're also committed to supporting flexible working where possible. We encourage you to raise any specific requirements during the interview process so we can explore how this could be accommodated.

Let's cut to the chase, what's in it for you…

Competitive basic salary and annual bonus

Company car, car allowance or travel allowance

Salary sacrifice car scheme available to all employees

Up to 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to up to 39 days with service

2 Volunteering days per annum

Private medical insurance, with employee paid cover

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave

Competitive pension scheme through salary sacrifice

Life assurance at 4 x your annual salary

Share save and share incentive schemes

Employee rewards portal with many more benefits…In return, what we would like from you…

Behave in line with our company values - Integrity, Caring and Quality

As a minimum, educated to A level standard or equivalent, or ability to demonstrate relevant experience in a similar position

Proficient in MS Office programmes; particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook

Experience in a development role within the Construction, Property Development or Housing Industry

Proven ability to manage multiple projects and lead the development process

Good geographic knowledge of the area

Organised and methodical, with good attention to detail

Highly numerate with the ability to undertake feasibility appraisals

Highly literate and able to understand and interpret complex legal documentation

Strong time management skills with an ability to prioritise

Able to work under own initiative, having good decision-making skills and a keen sense of responsibility

Professional manner

Able to work as part of a team as well as autonomously

Ability to communicate well with individuals at all levels

Able to travel on a regular basis throughout the area, with access to a vehicle on a daily basis

Willing to work extra to meet deadlines as and when the business needs require itDesirable…

A desire to continue with further education

Strong excel and viability understanding

Familiar with Group software - Coins

Experience of all stages of development including legal, design, planning related activities, and health and safetyMore about the Development Manager role…

Assist the Land / New Business department during the pre-development programme and, in certain instances, to lead on land acquisition or renegotiation of terms on existing projects. Give advice to ensure all development issues are addressed in outline at the outset prior to conclusion of the purchase process and, where appropriate, coordinate with the internal team.

Ensuring the active involvement of the Development Team to facilitate early Handover of prospective Development sites from the Land / New Business Team to the full Project Team.

Carry out Land Appraisals using Group software (Coins) and ensure accurate ongoing monitoring and updating for budgeting purposes.

Settlement of the Construction Budget and programme, monitoring all Developments through a thorough review of development co-ordination checklists on a regular basis. Set realistic programmes to determine construction starts, sales opening and selling periods.

Management of the relevant Development budgets and programme information in line with the Development Appraisal system at all times.

• Assist, manage and coordinate Joint Ventures as agreed with the Management Services Agreement;

Liaison with the Legal department / appointed Solicitor / Technical department as required to ensure all relevant documentation is available at the requisite time including :

• Conveyance Plans;
• Section 38 / 104 Agreements;
• Open Space Agreements;

Service Wayleaves / Easements; and

Freehold Transfer Contracts.

Carry out duties in compliance with the Company's ISO9001 accreditation.

Support the Group Environmental and Social Value policies.

Prepare and submit Partnering Approval Forms and ensure Project Close out Reports are completed and concluded, where appropriate via the necessary internal team.

Drive the progress of each project by active management and mitigate against slippage, to ensure the Development Programme is delivered to the agreed timescales.

Prepare reports and risk registers to gain internal approvals and ensure audit compliance.

Manage solicitors, land agents and appointed legal advisors to negotiate and agree land contracts, ensuring any development related matters are fully resolved prior to entering into contract.

Manage consultant teams e.g. architects, engineers, to produce scheme specific information and ensure the timely submission of schemes to the appropriate planning authority and statutory bodies in line with agreed timescales.

Assist supporting information e.g. surveys, reports, assessments etc. required to support the planning process and enable sufficient pre delivery planning / design.

Maintain excellent communication with the project team and internal stakeholders to ensure relevant information is correctly shared and circulated, and all actions are progressed in a timely manner.

When required, organise and lead / attend client meetings acting in a professional manner to positively represent the company at all times.

Follow the internal development process, ensuring all systems are maintained with accurate information at all times.

Resolve problems in collaboration with the project teams and colleagues and share learning to champion continuous improvement and ensure successful delivery of schemes.

Promote and represent the company when appropriate in order to maximise development opportunities and the reputation of the company.

When required, assess new business opportunities, undertake feasibility work, and prepare 'offer documentation' as required.

Network with new and existing clients to identify opportunities to expand the business.

To undertake any other duties as deemed necessary from time to time.Finally, let's tell you a bit more about us…

We build more than homes, we're making Vistry. Being a responsible developer and award-winning employer means we live each day through our ethos - doing the right thing. Our behaviours reflect this, as well as our values of integrity, caring and quality. Shaping all we do; they empower us to develop sustainable communities across affordable and private housing. We work in a partnership-led way, and you'll recognise our renowned brands Bovis Homes, Linden Homes, and Countryside Homes. Together with Vistry Works, our manufacturing operation, and the functional support of Vistry Services, we're a proud UK Green Building Council member, UK top five housebuilder with a five-star House Builders Federation (HBF) customer satisfaction rating, and winner of many awards including Top Employer, Global Top Inspiring Workplaces, and Best for Talent Attraction and Outreach.

Join us in making Vistry.

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