Senior Development Manager - Public Realm Senior Development Manager - Public Realm

The Crown Estate; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A major UK public sector organization is seeking a leader to oversee the development of public realm elements within regeneration and housing projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in urban design, project management, and sustainable development, with a focus on delivering high-quality and inclusive public spaces. Flexibility in working arrangements and a supportive family policy are key benefits offered.

Benefits

28 days paid holiday

Flexible working hours

Private healthcare

Pension plan

Performance-related bonus

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering public realm elements in large-scale projects.
• Strong ability to coordinate complex workstreams effectively.
• Commitment to innovative and inclusive development practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of public realm components in major regeneration projects.
• Engage stakeholders for sustainable public realm strategies.
• Monitor project implementation and ensure quality assurance.

Skills

Project management skills

Public realm design knowledge

Communication skills

Sustainability practices

Stakeholder collaboration

Inclusive design

Education

Degree in Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Planning, or Real Estate Development

Job description

Provide operational leadership in the planning, design, and delivery of place and public realm aspects within strategic masterplans. Set a clear vision for public realm in regeneration and housing projects, embedding people- and nature-led approaches. Champion sustainable and inclusive public realm principles, ensuring placemaking is at the heart of every project. Work closely with the Public Realm Director and wider teams to maximise financial, social, and environmental value, delivering exceptional public spaces that enhance community well‑being and inclusivity, in line with The Crown Estate's Value Creation Framework.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development and delivery of public realm components in major regeneration and housing projects, from concept to completion.
• Embed sustainable and inclusive public realm strategies, exceeding statutory requirements through stakeholder engagement, design, and delivery.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and contractors to deliver innovative, sustainable, and community‑responsive public spaces.
• Champion high standards in landscape architecture and design quality throughout the project lifecycle.
• Promote and implement inclusive design principles for accessible and welcoming environments.
• Oversee planning, procurement, and compliance for public realm works, managing budgets, programmes, and risk.
• Collaborate across the regeneration programme to integrate public realm with housing, infrastructure, and commercial elements.
• Monitor project implementation, ensuring quality assurance, health and safety, and timely delivery.
• Prepare and present business cases and approval papers for public realm investment.
• Foster innovation in placemaking, social impact, digital solutions, and sustainability.
• Proactively manage business risk and promote a culture of agility, empowerment, and customer focus.
• Flexible working – We value work‑life balance highly, therefore we have flexible & hybrid working policies.
• Market leading family friendly policies – We want the support we offer to be inclusive of everyone, reflective of the wide range of situations people face in life.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Planning, or Real Estate Development.
• Proven experience delivering public realm elements within large‑scale regeneration or housing projects, ideally in urban or mixed‑use contexts.
• Strong project management skills, able to coordinate complex workstreams and deliver results on time and within budget.
• Excellent knowledge of public realm design, landscape architecture, sustainability, and placemaking best practices.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to build consensus and manage diverse interests.
• Demonstrable commitment to innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development.
• Experience in inclusive design and accessibility for diverse users.
• Familiarity with statutory planning, procurement, and public funding mechanisms.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, sharing lessons learned and driving best‑in‑class outcomes.

Benefits

• We value that you get more time with your family and friends. Therefore, we offer everybody 28 days paid holiday, 2 volunteering days and the option to purchase further holiday.
• As well as a competitive salary, pension and performance-related bonus offering, we have a wealth of benefits available ranging from flexible working; market leading family policies and shopping discounts in the West End, to private healthcare; life and critical illness cover and 28 days holiday with the option to buy more.
• We value work life balance and your wellbeing highly, enabling you to be your best self to work.