Development Assistant

Due to the growth and expansion in our Banks Property and Banks Homes businesses we are looking for an Assistant Development Manager to join our existing experienced team at our Head Office in Durham.

Your role is to deliver all projects on time and within budget, taking into account all reasonable precautions to counter unforeseen, external influences. The job holder will continually lead activity to deliver the strategy of the project, drive down costs and improve profitability through risk management approach, by improving project efficiency without impairing standards of quality and safety.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Management of projects undertaking the following tasks/areas of work include:

• Working with the Senior Development Manager and Senior Management team and Directors in implementing project strategy
• Leadership of the project team to develop concepts into design solutions
• Co-ordination and preparation of commercial assessments and appraisals in conjunction with commercial team and engineering functions
• Preparation of Key Review reports, Board reports
• Management and chairing meetings
• Co-ordination and preparation of planning applications
• Negotiation of planning conditions and section 106 agreements, supporting the lead planner
• Co-ordinating determination of planning applications
• Maximise commercial opportunities within schemes wherever possible Successful negotiation of planning or technical issues during the design and development phases
• Health & Safety co-ordination on the projects
• Undertaking Risk assessments on sites
• Budget preparation and management of procurement process
• Negotiation, drafting and completion of appointments with consultants
• Project team establishment and management
• Project planning and programme management.
• Determining briefs for teams/consultants with functional team managers
• Marketing and sales of development sites
• Project administration
• Liaising and communicating with key stakeholders in relation to promoting or developing scheme proposals, such as local authority officers, local councillors, land owners and members of the community.

2. Development of new property schemes identified through acquisition, planning and implementation

3. Actively promote the project management philosophy within the organisation and ensure compliance with Project Management Framework, Key Review Structure and Group Systems.

4. Ensure that all projects have objectives, time, budget and quality targets agreed with the Senior Development Manager, Senior management team and Directors.

5. Ensure that monthly management information and KPM’s in respect of your projects are produced monthly for Management Board meetings, to show progress against targets.

6. Report to the Senior Development Manager and to assist in tasks as required on property projects within the programme.

KEY CONTACTS:

Fundamentally contact will be with all Directors, Managers and staff within the Group, as well as external stakeholders and consultants including government bodies and local communities.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

You will be joining a small but dynamic team who work in a collaborative and close-knit environment with everyone buying in as necessary to deliver the businesses aspirations for value creation and growth in the property development sector. In your role you will be predominantly office based with occasional requirement to go to sites/offices.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

ESSENTIAL:

• Three years plus experience of managing projects in the development industry.
• You will have experience of working in a development role and have knowledge of the planning system and planning policy.
• Formal recognised property-related Qualification (MRICS or MRTPI preferred).
• Aptitude for project management ethos, gained in a property sector related environment.
• Able to lead multi-disciplinary teams to consistently high-performance levels.
• Lead, manage and motivate other professional team members to deliver business targets.
• High levels of numeracy and literacy, including report writing.
• Experience of legal and statutory requirements regarding land, planning and Health and Safety.
• Ability to develop strategies for the delivery of complex projects while balancing the commercial risk and likelihood of planning success.
• Financial acumen and an understanding of valuation principal, appraisals and budget management.
• Full UK driving licence.

DESIRABLE:

• Commercially aware with experience of the residential development environment either gained within a house building role or development consultancy position.
• A knowledge of project management systems and processes including MS Project

PERSONAL QUALITIES/COMPETENCIES:

• Commercially minded, with a clear understanding of the criteria that businesses use to assess project feasibility and acceptability.
• At ease working with senior management level within an organisation.
• Must have a natural affinity with people and a high level of self-awareness.
• High personal resilience when promoting changes to the status quo.
• Capable of handling several projects simultaneously.
• Good problem solver.
• Integrity, honesty and good team player.
• Ability to understand a wide range of technical issues and a general knowledge of all aspects of the development process.
• Excellent project planning, organisational and management skills.
• First class communication skills (written & verbal).

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join The Banks Group. You will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 33 days annual leave per year including bank holidays increasing with length of service.
• Offices and sites close between Christmas and New Year.
• Annual bonus scheme.
• Pension scheme with employee and employer contributions.
• Free parking available at all offices and sites.
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our employees professionally and personally.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing, including discounted membership at local gym facilities, access to a free 24/7, 365 days of the year Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and access to a voluntary health cash plan which allows you to claim money back towards the cost of your essential healthcare, as well as providing access to valuable health and wellbeing services.
• Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme with Tax and National Insurance benefits.
• Cycle2Work scheme which helps you buy a brand new bike, cycling equipment or both with Tax and National Insurance benefits.
• Generous life assurance scheme from first day of employment.
• Discounts are available via our online benefits portal, including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, eating out, the cinema and days out at various attractions.

APPLY TODAY by using the form below, or send your CV and covering letter detailing your relevant experience to:

The closing date for applications is Friday, 13 December 2024. Sometimes we close a job early, so don’t delay or you might miss out.

Interviews will comprise of a two stage process with profiling taking place at second stage.

For further information contact Gayle Glass, HR Business Partner on

No recruitment agencies inquiries please.