Development manager

deverellsmith is proud to be exclusively partnering with a well-established residential developer dedicated to creating affordable, high-quality homes for Londoners. The business has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative housing solutions that balance design quality, sustainability, and community value.

We are seeking a Development Manager with experience in London residential development to support the Head of Development .

The role

• Manage of multiple development projects (typically 2-3) from inception to construction completion.

• Take ownership of financial appraisals and ensure performance aligns with profitability and programme objectives.

• Assemble and manage professional consultant teams through RIBA Stages 0-3, including appointments, instructions, and regular design team meetings.

• Lead the town planning process, including stakeholder engagement, local authority liaison, and public consultation.

• Represent the business at planning committees and lead negotiations on Section 106 agreements.

• Manage the smooth handover between the land acquisition team and project management team.

• Ensure satisfaction of land contract and funder conditions to enable drawdowns.

• Negotiate and manage third-party agreements and maintain key external relationships.

• Collaborate closely with internal teams across finance, design, and project management to ensure aligned delivery.

Person Specification

• Degree-educated, ideally in a relevant field (Real Estate, Planning, Development, or similar).

• MRICS qualification desirable.

• Proven residential development experience, ideally within London and across multiple tenure types.

• Strong understanding of town planning processes and local authority engagement.

• Commercially astute with excellent financial and analytical skills.

• Collaborative team player with an eye for detail and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Genuine interest in and empathy for the company's mission to provide affordable homes for Londoners.