Development Manager

At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we're looking for! Of course, experience and track record are important, but we're more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That's someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise, we don't discriminate based on any protected attribute. In fact, we're dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.   

So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!

More about your role

The role sits within the Southeast development business and will cover the Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire area . The South East is an active region delivering a number of large-scale mixed tenure development sites and requires a Development Manager to support the identification of new sites, as well as bringing forward sites already acquired, so they are viable and ready to start on site in line with the Regional Business Plan and affordable homes strategy.

As a Development Manager for the South East region, you will work within an agile development team taking the lead in managing mixed tenure residential led projects from acquisition through to delivery on site, including land acquisitions as well as new business plot purchases, in line with the approved Development Strategy and Group wide growth ambitions.

The role will include a range of responsibilities, including appraising and securing new opportunities for a range of tenures, undertaking pre-acquisition due diligence, negotiating legal agreements. managing planning applications on large scale sites, appointing consultants and managing project programmes and budgets, as well as preparing business cases. Knowledge of market and affordable housing tenures will be required in performing this role, as well as following internal processes for approvals.

For more information, please download our job profile available on our website, you will also find a map of the area you will cover.

More about you

Important Notice: The earliest start date for this position is 7th April. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming the right candidate to our team.

To be eligible for an interview you must meet the essential criteria in a housebuilder environment as a Development Manager:

• Proven experience in land acquisition and planning – You'll need a strong track record of identifying, negotiating, and securing land opportunities, as well as navigating planning processes to unlock development potential.

• Managing large-scale projects (circa 300+ homes)– Demonstrable experience in overseeing large scale developments from inception through delivery, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.

• Excellent project management skills – Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders, manage budgets, monitor programmes, and mitigate risks across the full development lifecycle. You should be confident in leading consultants, contractors, and internal teams to achieve strategic objectives.

In addition to project management, we are looking for someone with a strong network across the Southeast of England. Ideally you will have land buying experience and have knowledge of both conditional and unconditional land purchase agreements.

You will also be highly numerate, commercially minded, and be as at ease with complex models and appraisals as you are with planning and S106 negotiations. You will also need to be highly analytical, able to identify risks and opportunities from current and future developments and act accordingly .

Benefits

We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.

We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly 

• Pension with matched contributions up to 7% 

• Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave 

• Competitive Bonu s

• Training and development 

• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more. 

What's next?

If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then apply following our simple 5 minute application process, upload a CV and a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions please email the recruitment team [email protected]

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a guaranteed interview to candidates who are disabled, neurodiverse, or have served in the Armed Forces, provided you meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please indicate this in your application. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview experience, please let us know. We're happy to work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to perform at your best.

If you are a Places for People customer and you're looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on [email protected] .

Please note that we may bring the closing date forward, if we receive a large number of quality applications. If you are interested in this role we would advise applying immediately to avoid disappointment.

If you are using a mobile device such as an iPad then ensure your CV is stored in the cloud, we currently support Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox.

If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls.

Safeguarding

At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect.

We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment.

By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities