Principal - Development Manager

Michael Page (UK); Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global investment firm is looking for a Principal - Development Manager to lead high-profile real estate projects across Europe. This role involves managing the end-to-end development lifecycle, from appraisal to delivery, with a strong emphasis on stakeholder management and regulatory compliance. Applicants should have a solid track record in real estate project delivery and should be comfortable in a fast-paced environment. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Full benefits package

Good bonus structure

Qualifications

• Experience as a Development Manager in a private equity or investment management context.
• Experience in managing complex developments across European markets.
• Ability to handle special situations projects including distressed assets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full development process for high profile projects across European markets.
• Conduct appraisals and feasibility studies for new opportunities.
• Manage planning, design, and delivery phases to ensure compliance.
• Oversee budgets and risk management for projects with GDVs of £100M+.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants.

Skills

Track record in delivering high profile Real Estate projects

Strong commercial acumen

Excellent stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Job description

• Opportunity to work with a global investment platform.
• Delivery of high profile projects in Europe.

About Our Client

We are working with a global private equity investment platform that is delivering ambitious real estate opportunities across Europe. This is a unique chance to join their development team and lead high-value, multi-asset schemes-including hospitality, prime residential, office, and mixed-use developments-with GDVs ranging from £100M to several hundred million.

Job Description

As Principal - Development Manager you will be responsible for the end-to-end development lifecycle, from appraisal and due diligence through planning, design, and delivery. You will work across multiple jurisdictions, managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring projects meet the highest standards of quality, profitability, and timely execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full development process for high profile projects across European markets.
• Conduct appraisals, feasibility studies, and due diligence on new opportunities, including special situations investments.
• Manage planning, design, and delivery phases, ensuring compliance with local regulations and investor requirements.
• Oversee budgets, timelines, and risk management for projects with GDVs of £100M+.
• Coordinate with internal investment teams and external consultants, contractors, and advisors.
• Navigate complex counterparties and contractual negotiations in multiple jurisdictions.
• Drive value creation through strategic design, procurement, and delivery solutions.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Principal - Development Manager should have:

• Track record in successfully delivering high profile Real Estate projects as a Development Manager.
• Currently operating client-side, ideally within a private equity or investment management environment, and experienced in delivering complex developments across European markets.
• Ideally previously managed special situations projects, including distressed or transitional assets.
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to manage budgets, contracts, and risk.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with exposure to multi-strategy investment structures.

What's on Offer

A competitive salary, full benefits package and very good bonus structure.