Development Manager

Walker & Sloan Ltd | Certified B Corp; Swansea; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Supportive team culture

Opportunity to shape affordable housing delivery

Job summary

A leading housebuilding and development business in Wales seeks an experienced Development Manager to oversee new development opportunities for affordable housing. You'll be integral to site identification, stakeholder coordination, and ensuring projects align with community needs. The ideal candidate has proven experience in development management and strong planning knowledge. Competitive salary of £60,000 – £65,000 with a supportive team culture awaits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Development Manager role within housebuilding or affordable housing.
• Strong understanding of planning and funding policies in Wales.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Source and assess potential development sites based on housing demand.
• Prepare SHG applications and viability models for projects.
• Oversee design processes to meet Net Zero Carbon targets.

Skills

Development Management

Financial Appraisal

Stakeholder Management

Planning Knowledge

Risk Assessment

Job description

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Development Manager to join a growing housebuilding and development business, with a strong focus on affordable and social housing delivery. Reporting to the Land and Development Director, you will play a key role in identifying, securing, and delivering new development opportunities that align with local housing needs and policy priorities. This role offers the chance to work on meaningful projects that will positively impact communities across Wales.

Key Responsibilities

• Land Identification & Feasibility: Source and assess potential development sites in line with housing demand, LDPs, and affordable housing policies. Lead feasibility, due diligence, and risk assessments, commissioning surveys and initial design briefs.
• Funding & Financial Appraisal: Prepare and coordinate SHG applications with RSL partners. Build and maintain viability models to ensure projects are financially deliverable and aligned with funding strategies and Welsh Government priorities.
• Design & Planning Management: Oversee the design process with architects and consultants to meet WDQR 2021 and Net Zero Carbon targets. Manage planning submissions, consultations, and engagement with planning officers and statutory consultees.
• Stakeholder & Partner Coordination: Build strong relationships with local authorities, RSLs, Welsh Government officials, landowners, and consultants. Lead community engagement processes and public consultations where required.
• Pre-Contract Activities: Support and oversee build contract preparation, development agreement negotiations, and Section 106 reviews. Report pre-construction milestones to boards, funders, and key stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a Development Manager or similar role within housebuilding, affordable housing, or development.
• Strong understanding of planning, funding, and housing policy in Wales.
• Commercially aware, with strong financial appraisal and viability modelling skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and build lasting relationships across the sector.
• A proactive, organised, and detail-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

What’s on Offer

• Salary of £60,000 – £65,000
• Benefits package
• Opportunity to shape affordable housing delivery across Wales
• A supportive team culture in a growing, ambitious organisation