Development Director

This is a strategic appointment to lead and deliver development and construction activities for a leading UK property developer that specialises in delivering developments in partnership with large landowners. Tasked with full P&L responsibility, day to day operations and business strategy there is a plan to deliver 1,000 plus residential units in the UK over the next 3 - 4 years. Future schemes that are in pre-construction stage include 3 x residential build to rent circa 500 units, 2m sqft of office, 2 high-end hotels and 2m sqft of industrial logistic development.
Based in their Manchester office this position will oversee delivery of residential and mixed-use projects from project inception to completion. Working on a hybrid basis with expectations of travelling to various locations around the UK.
The Role:
The key scope of the role will include:

• Advising the board on the delivery of multiple development projects from concept through to completion.
  
• Managing Development Managers managing some of the smaller projects.
  
• Assisting with the sourcing and assessment of new development projects.
  
• Leading on the production of site development feasibility studies.
  
• Leading the development site acquisition due diligence and legal processes.
  
• Securing tenants for new development.
  
• Securing funding for development.
  
• Managing the planning team to secure consents.
  
• Devising development delivery programmes and managing and reporting progress against the programmes.
  
• Managing the legal process for all development documents (Agreement to Leases, Funding Agreements, Land Purchase Agreements etc).
  
• Managing the procurement and legal documenting of all required third party consultant, contractor and supplier services to facilitate the delivery of the developments.
  
• Securing all required statutory consents and third-party approvals and the delivery of developments in compliance with consents and all related conditions.
  
• The recording and management of all expenditure within approved budgets.
  
• Assisting with the reporting of actual performance against project appraisals.
  
• Managing the marketing team for developments and coordinating with development delivery works.
  
• Regularly reporting internally and to external development partners & funders on progress against programme, expenditure against approved budget and overall performance against the approved appraisal.
  
• The safe storing of all key project information to help facilitate the leasing and sale of developments.
  
• The creation and implementation of risk mitigation strategies.
  
• Assisting in the strategic management of the business and its joint venture companies.
  Background & Experience:
  The candidate must have a construction or real estate related degree and/or a property/construction professional body qualification with a minimum of 10 years' experience of the direct Development Management of schemes.
  The candidate must demonstrate the following core experience and knowledge:
  
• Design and procurement management and securing of statutory consents and third-party approvals.
  
• Negotiation of funding agreements
  
• Negotiation of agreement to leases
  
• Strong technical knowledge of current design, procurement & construction technology
  
• Good understanding of the real estate development process and appreciation of investor/developer objectives/key drivers
  
• Good project financial management skills
  
• Management and leadership of teams
  
• Risk identification and pro-active management
  Key personal strengths:
  Self-motivation with a positive attitude to lead and drive projects to be delivered in accordance with client objectives.
  A team player able to lead through the example and respect.
  Flexible and lateral thinking to deliver projects.
  Attention to detail whilst also able to maintain high level strategic view of key issues.
  Clear written and verbal analytical project reporting and communication skills
  Empathetic toward landowner partner requirements