Development Manager - Freelance

Thomas Gray Ltd; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading development firm is seeking an experienced Freelance Development Manager based in Wakefield. This role involves supporting land acquisition and pre-development activities while ensuring effective communication and project delivery. Ideal candidates are proactive development managers with strong skills in contract negotiation, budgeting, and multi-tasking. This is a 4-6 month freelance contract with a competitive day rate depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in development management, ideally within residential or commercial projects.
• Strong skills in land acquisition, planning, and contract negotiation.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliver results quickly.

Responsibilities

• Support Land/New Business on pre-development activities and land acquisition.
• Coordinate with Technical team for project handovers.
• Oversee budgets, programmes, and ensure accurate monitoring.
• Prepare reports and communicate with internal and external partners.

Skills

Development management experience

Land acquisition

Contract negotiation

Budget management

Communication

IT skills

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Development Manager to support our team on a short-term contract basis. This role will be inside IR35 and offers an exciting opportunity to work on key live projects, ensuring delivery from land acquisition through to pre-construction and early development stages. This position is ideal for a proactive professional with proven experience in development management who is available immediately (or at short notice) and able to hit the ground running.

Responsibilities

• As Freelance Development Manager, you will:
• Support the Land/New Business department on pre-development activities, land acquisition, and renegotiation of terms.
• Provide advice on development issues and coordinate with the Technical team to ensure smooth project handovers.
• Oversee budgets, programmes, and appraisal systems to ensure accurate monitoring and reporting.
• Liaise with Legal, Technical, and external advisors to ensure documentation (e.g. Section 38/104, conveyance plans, wayleaves, contracts) is completed on time.
• Drive project progress, identifying risks and implementing solutions to keep delivery on track.
• Negotiate land and building contracts with land agents, solicitors, and clients.
• Maintain excellent communication with internal teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Prepare reports, risk registers, and post-investment reviews as required.

About You

• We're looking for someone who is:
• An experienced Development Manager, ideally within residential, mixed-use, or commercial property development.
• Skilled in land acquisition, planning, contract negotiation, and budget management.
• Organised, detail-focused, and confident managing multiple workstreams.
• Has excellent IT skills and is able to complete life of site paperwork.
• A strong communicator with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders.
• Able to work independently, deliver results quickly, and manage risk effectively.

Contract Details

• Duration: 4-6 months
• Engagement: Freelance contract (Inside IR35)
• Location: Wakefield - Office based
• Rate: Competitive day rate, dependent on experience