Head of Development

Vistry Group PLC; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK homebuilder is seeking a Head of Development in Greater London to oversee their development team, ensuring legal compliance and planning consent. The role requires a strong track record in land acquisition, excellent negotiation skills, and a robust understanding of the development process. This position offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and multiple benefits, fostering a culture of integrity and collaboration. The successful candidate will lead change management initiatives and support staff development through positive problem solving and accountability.

Benefits

Competitive basic salary and annual bonus

Company car or travel allowance

Health insurance

Up to 39 days holiday

Enhanced parental leave

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Demonstrable track record of buying land.
• Detailed knowledge of development process and planning issues.
• Strong mathematic and IT abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support Development Director in managing Development Team.
• Oversee planning consent and control pre-start activities.
• Assist in land acquisition and renegotiation processes.

Skills

Buying land

Legal obligations understanding

Financial appraisals

Negotiation and networking skills

Risk management

Change management leadership

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

HNC / NVQ Level 4

Degree in Estate Management or equivalent

Job description

In a Nutshell…

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Development to join our team within Vistry South London, at our Stratford office. As our Head of Development, you will support the Development Director to manage and oversee the Development Team to ensure overall legal requirements are met for a development. You will also support the Development Director to oversee the Development Team to ensure planning consent is secured and subsequently overall control of pre-start on site activities including ensuring following planning conditions are discharged either directly or via liaison with the Technical team.

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

HNC / NVQ Level 4 or above

Demonstrable track record of buying land

A good understanding of legal obligations

Detailed knowledge of the development process, building construction, legal and planning issues

Experience in financial appraisals

Experience of working with Housing Associations on partnership contracts to deliver S106 and additionality

Strong mathematic and IT ability

Ability to assess and analyse information

In depth understanding of budget management

Excellent negotiation and networking skills

A pragmatic approach to problem solving

Has the ability to identify and manage risk, gathering and considering all the facts, including factors not directly linked to immediate work but which may impact development and wider business

Ability to follow and lead change management programmes

Firm commitment to accountability, performance management, target setting and monitoring

Is a dynamic and inspirational leader, able to articulate a vision that creates excitement, enthusiasm and commitment from others

Excellent communication skills

Able to get buy-in from other departments

Able to work under pressure

Able to work with a high degree of accuracy

A methodical approach to working practices

Decision maker with pragmatic approach to problem solving

Able to influence and persuade others

Discretion and integrity in attitude and approach

A self-starter capable of creating and maintaining momentum on projects

The ability to lead, support and develop staff and maintaining excellent services during periods of change.

Facilities the resolution of conflict between people so that an appropriate way forward is identified

The ability to promote a culture of innovation, joint working, employee involvement and positive problem solving across the department and BU

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

Degree in Estate Management or equivalent

Professional Registration RICS or equivalent

Understanding of Joint Venture structures

Experience of consortium developments

In-depth knowledge of the planning process and strategic development

Experience of all stages of development including legal, design, planning related activities, and health and safetyMore about the Head of Development 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 coordination with the Technical 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.

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.

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
• Freehold Transfer Contracts

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.