Development Manager

In a Nutshell…

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Development Manager to join our team within Vistry Kent, at our West Malling office. As our Development Manager, you will be Responsible for the pre-construction phases of development projects; overseeing all legal, design and planning issues and coordinating with estimating, mobilisation, and construction teams.

The Development Manager will be expected to coordinate the skills and resources of each function within the organisation together with appointing and managing external consultants to ensure that each development is optimized through efficient management.

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.

Let's cut to the chase, what's in it for you…

• 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 x your annual salary
• Share save and share incentive schemes
• Employee rewards portal with many more benefits…

In return, what we would like from you…

• Behave in line with our company values – Integrity, Caring and Quality
• As a minimum, educated to A level standard or equivalent, or ability to demonstrate relevant experience in a similar position.
• Proficient in MS Office programmes; particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Experience in a development role within the Construction, Property Development or Housing Industry
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and lead the development process.
• Good geographic knowledge of the area
• Organised and methodical, with good attention to detail
• Highly numerate with the ability to undertake feasibility appraisals
• Highly literate and able to understand and interpret complex legal documentation
• Strong time management skills with an ability to prioritise
• Able to work under own initiative, having good decision making skills and a keen sense of responsibility   
• Professional manner
• Able to work as part of a team as well as autonomously
• Ability to communicate well with individuals at all levels
• Able to travel on a regular basis throughout the area, with access to a vehicle on a daily basis
• Willing to work extra to meet deadlines as and when the business needs require it

Desirable….

• A desire to continue with further education
• Experience of all stages of development including legal, design, planning related activities, and health and safety

More about the Development Manager role…

• Assist the Land / New Business department during the pre-development programme and in certain instances to 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 coordination with the Technical team.
• Ensuring 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 co-ordination 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
• Carry out duties in compliance with the Company's ISO9001 accreditation.
• Support the Group Environmental Policy.
• Prepare and submit a Post Investment Review and Ensure Project Close out Reports are completed and concluded, where appropriate via the Technical Team.
• Drive the progress of each project by active management and mitigate against slippage, to ensure the Development Programme is delivered to set timescales.
• Carry out Land Appraisals using Group software and ensure accurate ongoing monitoring and updating for budgeting purposes.
• Prepare reports and risk registers to gain internal approvals and ensure audit compliance.
• Appoint Solicitors via the framework. Work with land agents and appointed legal advisors to negotiate and agree land contracts, ensuring any development related matters are fully resolved prior to entering contracts.
• Work with clients and their agents to negotiate and agree the form of building contract (Development Agreement or JCT) in conjunction with the Legal Director and other internal stakeholders as appropriate.
• Appoint and manage consultant teams e.g. architects, engineers, to produce scheme specific information and ensure the timely submission of schemes to the appropriate planning authority and statutory bodies in line with agreed timescales.
• Procure suitable supporting information e.g. surveys, reports, assessments etc. required to support the planning process and enable sufficient pre delivery planning/design.
• Maintain excellent communication with the project team and internal stakeholders to ensure relevant information is correctly shared and circulated, and all actions are progressed in a timely manner.
• Identify and mitigate against risk and work with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to manage risk prestart on site.
• When required, organise and lead/ attend client meetings acting in a professional manner to positively represent the company at all times.
• Follow the internal development process, ensuring all systems are maintained with accurate information at all times.
• Resolve problems in collaboration with the project teams and colleagues and share learning to champion continuous improvement and ensure successful delivery of schemes.
• Promote and represent the company when appropriate in order to maximise development opportunities and the reputation of the company.
• When required, assess new business opportunities, undertake feasibility work, and prepare 'offer documentation' as required.
• Network with new and existing clients to identify opportunities to expand the business.
• To undertake any other duties as deemed necessary from time to time.

Finally, let's tell you a bit more about us…

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.  

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