Development Manager- Investor/Developer

Deverell Smith Ltd; Ealing; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Deverell Smith Ltd. in West London is seeking a Development Manager to lead cradle-to-grave property development, with a focus on Build-to-Rent and HMO projects. You will design and implement the systems, processes, and governance needed to scale the business from £5m refurbishments to a multi‑million portfolio.

The role demands hands-on delivery, strong project oversight, contractor management, and the ability to build an operational backbone as the company grows into a major developer.

Qualifications

• Proven track record managing property development projects cradle-to-grave, including BTR or HMO is preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction delivery, programme management, and contractor oversight.
• Experience setting up development systems, processes, or reporting frameworks.
• Commercially astute with cost planning, budgeting, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead development lifecycle from land to handover and asset management.
• Oversee BTR and HMO schemes, including regulatory and planning aspects.
• Design and implement scalable development management systems and playbooks.
• Build and mentor a growing operations team.

Skills

Property development

Cradle to grave

Construction delivery

Programme management

Contractor management

Education

MRICS / CIOB

Tools

Document control systems

Job description

Development Manager (BTR & HMO) - Cradle to Grave

Location: West London
Reporting to: Owners/Directors
Salary: c100K
Type: Full-time, permanent

The Opportunity

This is a rare ground-floor opportunity to help build a development business from the inside out. Backed by significant capital, the company has a proven track record delivering smaller-scale refurbishment projects (circa £5m) and is now scaling ambitiously into Build-to-Rent (BTR) and House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) development, targeting a portfolio in the tens of millions and beyond.
We're looking for a hands-on, systems-minded construction and development professional who has managed schemes through every stage - from land acquisition and planning through to construction, handover, and asset management ("cradle to grave") - and who wants to build the infrastructure, processes, and team that will take this company from a small investor into a serious, scaled developer.
This is not a role for someone who wants to slot into an existing machine. It's a role for someone who wants to build the machine.

About the Business

• Currently delivering refurbishment projects at c. £5m scale
• Growth strategy centred on BTR and HMO, with a retain-and-rent / multi-unit model
• Portfolio ambition: scaling toward £70m+
• Recent/planned schemes include multi-month construction programmes (c. 18 months, £6m+ construction value)
• Backed by strong institutional/private capital to support aggressive growth
• Small, close-knit team currently - this hire will play a central role in professionalising and scaling operations

Role Purpose

The Development Manager will own the development process end-to-end and will be responsible for designing and implementing the systems, controls, and programme structures needed to support rapid, sustainable growth. This includes everything from feasibility and appraisal through to delivery, document control, and operational handover.
You’ll work closely with the leadership team to shape how the business operates as it scales - effectively building the operational backbone of a future major developer.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Delivery

• Lead projects through every stage of the development lifecycle: planning, design coordination, procurement, construction delivery, and practical completion/handover
• Manage BTR and HMO schemes specifically, understanding the regulatory, planning, and operational nuances of each asset class
• Oversee construction programmes, budgets, and contractor/consultant teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget

Systems & Process Building

• Design and implement development management systems, programmes, and reporting frameworks appropriate for a scaling business
• Establish robust document control processes and oversee document controllers
• Build repeatable playbooks for appraisal, procurement, and delivery that can be applied as deal volume increases

Commercial & Strategic

• Support cost planning, cost control, and collection processes (addressing current gaps in cost/collection tracking)
• Input into portfolio growth strategy, including retain vs. sell decisions and rental/multi-unit strategy
• Work closely with finance/CFA-qualified colleagues on reporting and investment appraisal

Team & Culture

• Help recruit, structure, and mentor a growing operations and delivery team
• Act as a key operational leader as the business transitions from a small investment company to an established developer

What We're Looking For

• Proven track record managing property development projects cradle to grave - ideally including BTR and/or HMO schemes
• Strong understanding of construction delivery, programme management, and contractor management
• Experience setting up or improving development systems, processes, or reporting frameworks (not just working within them)
• Commercially astute, comfortable with cost planning, budgeting, and reporting
• A builder mentality - genuinely excited by the prospect of shaping a business from an early stage, not just executing within an established structure
• Strong organisational skills and comfort with document control and governance
• Construction, quantity surveying, project management, or development-related qualification desirable (e.g. MRICS, CIOB, or equivalent experience)

Why Join

• Genuine opportunity to shape a business at the ground floor, backed by serious capital and ambition
• Direct exposure to leadership and strategic decision-making
• Clear growth trajectory - from £5m refurbishment projects toward a £70m+ portfolio and beyond
• Autonomy to build systems and teams your way, rather than inheriting legacy processes
• Significant long-term career upside as the business scales