Development Manager- Investor/Developer

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

Job summary

Deverell Smith Ltd is hiring a Development Manager (BTR & HMO) in West London to own the end-to-end development process. You will design systems and controls to support rapid, sustainable growth, from feasibility through to delivery and handover, working closely with the leadership team to build the operational backbone of a growing developer.

The role focuses on leading BTR/HMO schemes, implementing repeatable playbooks, and driving delivery within budgets and timelines.

Qualifications

• Proven cradle-to-grave property development experience
• Experience with BTR and/or HMO schemes
• Strong grasp of development finance and planning processes
• Commercial awareness and governance experience

Responsibilities

• Lead development through the full lifecycle: planning, design coordination, procurement, construction, and handover
• Design and implement development management systems, reporting frameworks, and document control processes
• Support portfolio growth, cost planning, budgeting, and investment appraisal in collaboration with finance teams
• Mentor and structure a growing operations team to scale the business processes

Job description

Development Manager (BTR & HMO) - Cradle to Grave
Location: West London
Reporting to: Owners/Directors
Salary: c100K
Type: Full-time, permanent

The Opportunity

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