Position: Development Director

Location: London

Reports to: CEO/Founder

Salary: £130,000 basic salary + 50-100% Bonus and Carry

Note: Work Environment is Full-time and office-based role, with flexibility when required but emphasis on teamwork and in-person collaboration.

Company Overview

A privately-owned, entrepreneurial property development and investment firm, are recruiting a Development Director to lead a significant pipeline of BTR schemes across the UK. The company specializes in Build-to-Rent, residential, and mixed-use projects, with a focus on acquiring, developing, and operating long-term assets. They operate under a flat organizational structure, promoting collaboration and ownership among its team members. The company's open, fast-moving environment requires agile thinkers who can contribute across all phases of development.

Role Overview:

A Development Director with a strong construction and technical bias to oversee its property development activities. This role requires someone with a proven track record in managing construction projects from inception through to delivery. Reporting directly to the Principal owners, this individual will be a critical member of the leadership team, focusing on technical design, procurement, and construction execution, while also playing a key role in strategic acquisitions and value engineering.

This is a hands-on role that will complement the existing Development Director. The successful candidate will bring a depth of construction knowledge to ensure seamless project execution while also contributing to a growing portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Construction & Design Management

- Lead the transition from Stage 3 to Stage 4 of technical design, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality delivery.

- Manage procurement processes, selecting and appointing contractors and consultants, including quantity surveyors, project managers, architects, and engineers.

- Oversee and guide on-site construction activities, ensuring that the project team is effectively managing day-to-day operations and progress.

- Balance time between on-site presence and higher-level project oversight, providing clear guidance on when to be on-site and how to ensure quality and efficiency.

2. Project Leadership & Team Coordination

- Coordinate a multi-disciplinary team of consultants, ensuring information flow and reporting are optimized to maintain project momentum.

- Ensure projects meet their set timelines and budgets, actively engaging in problem-solving and decision-making to overcome any challenges or delays.

- Lead the development of contractual documents, including JCT and D&B contracts, appointments, and warranties, and manage the contract process through completion.

3. Strategic & Entrepreneurial Input

- Take an entrepreneurial approach to value engineering, identifying opportunities for cost savings and innovative construction solutions.

- Assess and mitigate project risks, working closely with the team to fast-track decisions and deliver projects on time and within budget.

- Contribute to acquisitions, actively participating in discussions about new project opportunities and providing technical insights.

4. Cultural Integration

- Act as a senior leader within a flat structure, embracing a hands-on role with direct involvement in all key decisions.

- Foster collaboration across the team, contributing to a culture where ideas and input are valued from all levels of the business.

About you:

- Proven track record in a similar Development Director or Senior Construction Executive role within a Property Developer (BTR, PBSA, Residential, Later Living sectors).

- Previous experience in construction management, main contracting, or project management is beneficial but must demonstrate experience in transitioning into a developer-led environment.

Technical Expertise:

- Strong understanding of construction contracts, including managing sub-contractors and the potential to bypass reliance on a principal contractor.

- Deep experience with full life-cycle development, from planning and design through to construction and handover.

- Knowledge of contractual processes and ability to lead teams in complex project environments.

Mindset & Skills:

- Entrepreneurial thinker, with the ability to analyze risks and opportunities, and take decisive actions to move projects forward.

- Ability to challenge the status quo, offer innovative solutions, and take ownership of key project decisions.

- Strong communication and team leadership skills, with the ability to guide multi-disciplinary teams in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

- Must thrive in an open, non-hierarchical culture, demonstrating a willingness to roll up sleeves and directly engage in project execution.

- Should have a proactive and hands-on approach, being willing to both lead and participate across all aspects of the development process.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking, fast-growing developer where you can have a direct impact on the success and direction of large-scale projects. If you thrive in a dynamic, hands-on environment and have the construction and development expertise to drive forward complex projects, this role could be a perfect fit.

For more details on how to apply, please contact Rob Joslin (Director) from Capstone Recruitment on +44 (0) 203 757 5000 or email r.joslin@capstone-recruitment.com

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