Development Manager

Overview

Manage pre‑construction phases, overseeing legal, design, planning and feasibility.

Key Responsibilities

• programme management
• land appraisal
• consultant management
• risk register
• contract negotiation
• client liaison

Tasks

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Development Manager to join our team within Vistry South East, at our Caterham office. As our Development Manager, you will be responsible for the pre-construction phases of development projects, overseeing all legal, scheme viability, design and planning issues and coordinating with estimating, mobilisation, and construction teams. The Development Manager will be expected to coordinate the skills and resources of each function within the organisation together with appointing and managing external consultants to ensure that each development is optimized through efficient management. -Drive the progress of each project by active management and mitigate against slippage, to ensure the Development Programme is delivered to the agreed timescales. -When required, organise and lead/ attend client meetings acting in a professional manner to positively represent the company at all times. -Prepare and submit Partnering Approval Forms and ensure Project Close out Reports are completed and concluded, where appropriate via the necessary internal team. -Promote and represent the company when appropriate in order to maximise development opportunities and the reputation of the company. -Carry out duties in compliance with the Company’s ISO9001 accreditation. -Manage solicitors, land agents and appointed legal advisors to negotiate and agree land contracts, ensuring any development related matters are fully resolved prior to entering into contract. -Management of the relevant Development budgets and programme information in line with the Development Appraisal system at all times. -Support the Group Environmental and Social Value policies. -Resolve problems in collaboration with the project teams and colleagues and share learning to champion continuous improvement and ensure successful delivery of schemes. -Follow the internal development process, ensuring all systems are maintained with accurate information at all times. -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, coordinate with the internal team. -Assist, manage and coordinate Joint Ventures as agreed with the Management Services Agreement; -Carry out Land Appraisals using Group software (Coins) and ensure accurate ongoing monitoring and updating for budgeting purposes. -Manage consultant teams e.g. architects, engineers, to produce scheme specific information and ensure the timely submission of schemes to the appropriate planning authority and statutory bodies in line with agreed timescales. -Prepare reports and risk registers to gain internal approvals and ensure audit compliance. -Maintain excellent communication with the project team and internal stakeholders to ensure relevant information is correctly shared and circulated, and all actions are progressed in a timely manner. -When required, assess new business opportunities, undertake feasibility work, and prepare ‘offer documentation’ as required. -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; andFreehold Transfer Contracts. -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. -Assist supporting information e.g. surveys, reports, assessments etc. required to support the planning process and enable sufficient pre delivery planning/design. -Network with new and existing clients to identify opportunities to expand the business. -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.

Requirements

• a‑level
• excel
• ms office
• coins
• project management
• construction

What You Bring

-As a minimum, educated to A level standard or equivalent, or ability to demonstrate relevant experience in a similar position -Ability to communicate well with individuals at all levels -Experience of all stages of development including legal, design, planning related activities, and health and safety -Strong excel and viability understanding -Highly numerate with the ability to undertake feasibility appraisals -Proficient in MS Office programmes; particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook -Professional manner -Strong time management skills with an ability to prioritise -Organised and methodical, with good attention to detail -Able to work under own initiative, having good decision-making skills and a keen sense of responsibility -Able to travel on a regular basis throughout the area, with access to a vehicle on a daily basis -Highly literate and able to understand and interpret complex legal documentation -Willing to work extra to meet deadlines as and when the business needs require it -Able to work as part of a team as well as autonomously -Good geographic knowledge of the area -Familiar with Group software – Coins -Experience in a development role within the Construction, Property Development or Housing Industry -Proven ability to manage multiple projects and lead the development process

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Benefits

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. -Competitive pension scheme through salary sacrifice -Company car, car allowance or travel allowance -Competitive basic salary and annual bonus -Up to 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to up to 39 days with service -Salary sacrifice car scheme available to all employees -Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave -Life assurance at 4 x your annual salary -Share save and share incentive schemes -Private medical insurance, with employee paid cover -2 Volunteering days per annum -Freehold Transfer Contracts. -Employee rewards portal with many more benefits… -Service Wayleaves / Easements; and

About Vistry Group

-Launched following the merger of Bovis Homes and Galliford Try’s housing arm in January 2020. -Operates three retail brands—Bovis Homes, Linden Homes, Countryside Homes—and a B2B Partnerships arm. -Known for timber-frame manufacturing via Vistry Works, boosting quality, speed, and carbon performance. -Typical projects include mixed-tenure neighbourhoods with schools, parks, orchards, and community facilities. -Completed major schemes like Meridian Water regeneration and Countryside Partnerships integration in 2022.

Sector Specialisms