Project Manager / Development Manager, Property Development

Description

As a key member of our development team, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of purpose-built student accommodation. You will champion innovation, quality, and sustainability, ensuring that each project sets new benchmarks in design, safety, and environmental performance while consistently delivering outstanding value to stakeholders.

• Ensure full compliance with UK building regulations, planning approvals, health and safety legislation (including CDM), fire safety standards, sustainability objectives, and Gateway requirements under the Building Safety Act.
• Provide leadership and oversight across all project phases: acquisition, inception, feasibility, design (RIBA stages or equivalent), pre-construction, construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Provide clear leadership to internal teams and external consultants and contractors, ensuring effective communication, well-defined responsibilities, and consistent performance delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including landowners, local authorities, planning bodies, clients, consultants, supply chain partners, subcontractors, and local community representatives.
• Develop, monitor, and maintain detailed project programmes, budgets, and cost plans, including forecasting, variation control, and value engineering.
• Lead the procurement of consultants, contractors, and suppliers, administering contracts in accordance with JCT, NEC, or other relevant UK standard forms.
• Uphold rigorous quality assurance standards to protect the approved design intent, ensure safety, and maintain statutory compliance on site.
• Manage and coordinate all handover activities, including commissioning, snagging, client and resident satisfaction, and the management of the defects liability period.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, maintaining comprehensive risk registers and mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of comprehensive project documentation, including progress reports, cost updates, quality inspection records, and health and safety compliance reports.

Requirements

We are seeking a highly accomplished and visionary Development Manager to lead the delivery of exceptional student accommodation schemes and enhancement projects, spanning both greenfield and brownfield developments across the United Kingdom. This pivotal role demands a blend of strategic leadership, technical excellence, and strong project management capabilities to ensure success throughout every stage of the project lifecycle, from inception through to completion and handover.

• Strong financial acumen, including expertise in project budgeting, cost control, forecasting, and financial management.
• Extensive experience with UK contract forms (JCT, NEC, or equivalent) and procurement processes.
• Applicants must hold chartered status with a recognised UK professional body, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), or possess an equivalent project management accreditation.
• Deep understanding of sustainability frameworks (e.g., BREEAM), ESG principles, and net zero strategies within the built environment.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across multiple disciplines and with senior leadership.
• Minimum of five years’ experience delivering high-rise or large-volume student accommodation developments—or comparable large-scale residential or mixed-use projects—across the full project lifecycle, from inception to completion.
• Familiarity with BIM, Lean construction methodologies, and digital project management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• Proven track record of successfully delivering high-rise, new-build, and/or major refurbishment schemes within complex, urban, and constrained environments.
• In addition, candidates with recognised architectural qualifications and relevant professional experience will be viewed favourably.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in building and managing high-performing project teams, coordinating subcontractors, and driving on-site performance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK planning processes, including Building Safety Act (BSA) Gateway approval stages, building regulations, fire safety requirements, and CDM regulations.
• Solutions-focused mindset, adept at navigating and resolving design, construction, and regulatory challenges.
• Proficient in programme and schedule management, with the ability to develop, monitor, and adjust timelines to mitigate delays.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance