Development Project Director

• Be accountable for all the associated disciplines necessary to progress and successfully deliver the project(s) within predetermined time frames, whilst achieving/exceeding the quality, performance and financial parameters.
• Manage relationships with the Centre Operations Team to ensure construction projects are planned and developed in full conformance with existing procedures and stakeholder management requirements. This includes ensuring the team follows procedures around technical development cost and quality control, and that all required permits and approvals are obtained.
• Appoint, manage, and lead multi-disciplinary design teams through the design, planning and delivery stages of projects.
• Leadership of projects with an emphasis on engineering, construction and technical matters.
• Provide technical expertise and experience through the pre-development process across all projects.
• Act as a role model for the wider business; acting with integrity to achieve success by striking the right balance for our people, stakeholders, shareholders and local communities.
• Work closely alongside Development Management colleagues to work inside budgets, allowances and overall cost parameters of the project.
• Maintain ongoing communications with all stakeholders (both internal and external) to provide periodic updates on the progress against programme, financial viability and budgets, resolve issues that may compromise the project programme and viability, and respond quickly and professionally to questions, concerns, and requests for information.
• Contribute to the broader strategic objectives of development projects, alongside the wider URW organisation including construction, design, asset management and operations.
• Lead procurement processes for the appointment of Consultant teams including tendering, negotiation and legal coordination for the execution of such agreements.
• Work closely with the Asset Management team to ensure the end product is appropriate for market and that operating budgets and relevant development assumptions in the financial model are accurate.
• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, occupiers and adjacent owners and appropriately manage on-going communications related to the proposed development.
• Provide buildability and construction technical input to inform the design team on desired direction of construction methodology and process.
• Manage the risks on projects and advising on different risk mitigation and delivery strategies.
• Work closely with local authorities and key stakeholders such as Rail authorities to ensure best practice planning and design considerations are fully factored in.

We’re looking for a skilled professional to join our Development team as a Project Director, Development, on a temporary contract. Based at Westfield Stratford City, you’ll play a key role in managing the delivery of a high-profile, mixed-use project through the Post-Planning Technical Design stages. This fast-paced role offers the chance to lead coordination across the development process and drive progress in line with business objectives. The contract is expected to run for 8–9 months, through to Summer 2026.

• Proven and demonstrable relevant post qualification experience gained working in construction and/or design engineering on major projects including retained structures and infrastructure.
• Large scale London Residential experience and strong Student Accommodation sector knowledge (desired)
• Familiarity and basic understanding of Gateway 2 processes (desired).
• Strong understanding of ESG and it’s impact on the business.
• Strong experience in planning and delivering key projects in Live Environments.
• Depth of expertise in project management and delivery, combining knowledge of the construction and property market, with the technical and leadership skills needed to put together and deliver mixed use development schemes.
• Ability to strategically, diplomatically and professionally engage with at all levels both within the URW business and externally
• A demonstrable track record of leading projects from inception, through design and planning and delivery.
• Member of the ICE, RICS, ARB or similar property related professional qualification (desirable).
• Basic proficiency in understanding of Development models including key value drivers and impacts on returns.
• Entrepreneurially minded, creative thinker with high intellectual curiosity.
• Up to date knowledge of a diversity of project types and building uses including residential, commercial and infrastructure, with an emphasis on London and major cities across the UK.

We offer a fantastic pension plan, bonus scheme, and plenty of other incentives. We also prioritise your health and wellbeing, training employees as mental health ambassadors to support and educate our team. Plus, you can sign up for medical and dental insurance, gym discounts, health check-ups, and more.

We put people development and learning at the heart of what we do. We'll help you master your role, build your technical skills, and take advantage of top-notch management and leadership programs. From face-to-face workshops to our global online learning resources, we encourage you to make learning a part of your daily routine.