Head of Development

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

Job summary

A leading property development company is looking for a Head of Development to manage the Development Team and ensure compliance with legal requirements. You will assist in land acquisition and oversee pre-start on-site activities while maintaining budgetary control. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in land buying and development processes. This role promotes flexible working and requires excellent leadership and negotiation skills, alongside the ability to manage risks effectively.

Benefits

Competitive salary and annual bonus

Company car or travel allowance

Up to 39 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Life assurance at 4 x your annual salary

Qualifications

• Demonstrable track record of buying land.
• Good understanding of legal obligations.
• In-depth understanding of budget management.
• Ability to assess and analyse information.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the Development Team to ensure planning consent is secured.
• Assist the Land / New Business department during the pre-development programme.
• Settlement of the Construction Budget and programme, monitoring all Developments.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Risk management

Communication skills

Financial appraisal experience

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

HNC / NVQ Level 4 or above

Degree in Estate Management or equivalent

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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 it

Desirable

• 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 safety

Benefits

• 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…