Head of Development

Head of Development We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Development to join our team within Vistry South London, at our Stratford office. As our Head of Development, you will support the Development Director to manage and oversee the Development Team to ensure overall legal requirements are met for a development. You will also support the Development Director to oversee the Development Team to ensure planning consent is secured and subsequently overall control of pre‑start on site activities including ensuring following planning conditions are discharged either directly or via liaison with the Technical team. We value in‑person collaboration and team culture, but we’re also committed to supporting flexible working where possible. We encourage you to raise any specific requirements during the interview process so we can explore how this could be accommodated. Benefits Competitive basic salary and annual bonus Company car, car allowance or travel allowance Salary sacrifice car scheme available to all employees Up to 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to up to 39 days with service 2 volunteering days per annum Private medical insurance, with employee paid cover Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave Competitive pension scheme through salary sacrifice Life assurance at 4× your annual salary Share save and share incentive schemes Employee rewards portal with many more benefits Qualifications Behave in line with our company values – Integrity, Caring and Quality HNC / NVQ Level 4 or above Demonstrable track record of buying land A good understanding of legal obligations Detailed knowledge of the development process, building construction, legal and planning issues Experience in financial appraisals Experience of working with Housing Associations on partnership contracts to deliver S106 and additionality Strong mathematic and IT ability Ability to assess and analyse information In‑depth understanding of budget management Excellent negotiation and networking skills A pragmatic approach to problem solving Has the ability to identify and manage risk, gathering and considering all the facts, including factors not directly linked to immediate work but which may impact development and wider business Ability to follow and lead change management programmes Firm commitment to accountability, performance management, target setting and monitoring Is a dynamic and inspirational leader, able to articulate a vision that creates excitement, enthusiasm and commitment from others Excellent communication skills Ability to get buy‑in from other departments Ability to work under pressure Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy A methodical approach to working practices Decision maker with pragmatic approach to problem solving Ability to influence and persuade others Discretion and integrity in attitude and approach A self‑starter capable of creating and maintaining momentum on projects The ability to lead, support and develop staff and maintain excellent services during periods of change Facility in resolving conflict between people so that an appropriate way forward is identified The ability to promote a culture of innovation, joint working, employee involvement and positive problem solving across the department and BU Willing to work extra to meet deadlines as and when the business needs require it Responsibilities Assist the Land / New Business department during the pre‑development programme and, in certain instances, lead on land acquisition or renegotiation of terms on existing projects. Give advice to ensure all development issues are addressed in outline at the outset prior to conclusion of the purchase process and, where appropriate, coordinate with the Technical team. Ensure the active involvement of the Development Team to facilitate early handover of prospective Development sites from the Land / New Business Team to the full Project Team. Settlement of the Construction Budget and programme, monitoring all Developments through a thorough review of development coordination checklists on a regular basis. Set realistic programmes to determine construction starts, sales opening and selling periods. Management of the relevant Development Budgets and programme information in line with the Development Appraisal system at all times. Liaison with the Legal department / appointed Solicitor / Technical department as required to ensure all relevant documentation is available at the requisite time, including: Conveyance Plans Section 38 / 104 Agreements Open Space Agreements Service Wayleaves / Easements Freehold Transfer Contracts Desirable Degree in Estate Management or equivalent Professional Registration RICS or equivalent Understanding of Joint Venture structures Experience of consortium developments In‑depth knowledge of the planning process and strategic development Experience of all stages of development including legal, design, planning related activities, and health and safety Seniority level Director Employment type Full‑time Job function and industry Business Development and Sales, Construction We build more than homes; we’re making Vistry. Being a responsible developer and award‑winning employer means we live each day through our ethos – doing the right thing. Our behaviours reflect this, as well as our values of integrity, caring and quality. Shaping all we do; they empower us to develop sustainable communities across affordable and private housing. We work in a partnership‑led way, and you’ll recognise our renowned brands Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Homes. Together with Vistry Works, our manufacturing operation, and the functional support of Vistry Services, we’re a proud UK Green Building Council member, UK top five housebuilder with a five‑star House Builders Federation (HBF) customer satisfaction rating, and winner of many awards including Top Employer, Global Top Inspiring Workplaces, and Best for Talent Attraction and Outreach. Join us in making Vistry. #J-18808-Ljbffr