Planning & Development Manager

We’re VIVID – We’re the fifth largest developer of new homes amongst housing associations in England, having built over 1,500 last year. 

We are a Not for Profit Registered Housing Provider with a new build development programme that delivers over 1500 new homes every year. The programme comprises the delivery of new homes via S106 opportunities, JV Partnerships and a land led Vivid delivery programme.

We’re seeking an experienced Planning and Development Manager to join our expanding Land and New Business Team in Portsmouth. This is a full time, permanent role working 37 hours per week. 

The Land and New Business Team leads the delivery of the new homes programme and is responsible for acquiring new opportunities and setting in place build contracts for the delivery of these projects. The role of Planning and Development Manager will primarily focus on supporting the delivery of a number of significant schemes already in the pipeline and will also provide development and technical input into new acquisition opportunities. 

Reporting to the Senior Regeneration Specialist, this is a new role within VIVID and as such, is an opportunity for individuals to create and craft the role and to set out and define a pathway for the future.  You’ll be responsible for ensuring that our new homes delivery objectives are well scoped, risk evaluated and achieved in accordance with our financial plans and targets. 

Want to know what we can offer you? 

• 26 days holiday (plus bank holidays), with the opportunity to buy or sell annual leave  
• A productivity-related bonus scheme to enhance your take-home  
• A generous contributory pension of 6%. We’ll match employee contributions between 7% and 10%  
• Life assurance paid at x 3 annual salary  
• Private medical insurance   
• Health care cash plan called Medicash  
• Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave  
• Access to counselling, legal and financial information  
• Electric car scheme  
• Huge variety of in-house & e-learning courses and a range of coaching and mentoring programmes  

Here’s the facts about the role: 

The Planning and Development Manager will work with colleagues to manage costs and procure the delivery of Build Contracts from a Clients perspective for our own primary land led developments. A knowledge of Registered Provider operations would be preferable but not essential. You’ll be responsible for overseeing the delivery of these residential developments, alignment with Company goals and expectations for its new homes developments as sustainable, low carbon and aspirational places to live. 

Ideally, you would have worked within the new homes residential sector as a development or project manager and will need to display an understanding of residential design, technical delivery, latest construction processes and legislation, cost management and value for money control, contract management, build techniques and be comfortable working across all aspects of the acquisition, design and delivery of projects. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Financial Management: Oversee project budgets, cost control, and financial reporting on all current live projects. Ensure projects are delivered within budget and on time. Provide and Manage reporting on Value for Money. 

• Contract Management: Working with Employers Agents work jointly to procure Contractors for the New Build programme, establishing appropriate contracts, appointment compliance with new and future legislation. Work with EA’s to cost manage live projects and report on contract progress and costs. 

• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate commercial risks associated with projects. Develop strategies to minimize financial exposure. Identify opportunities for costs savings but also review how best to integrate new Business strategies such as Future Homes into developments. 

• Tendering and Procurement: Manage the tendering process in collaboration with others, including preparing tender documents, evaluating bids, and negotiating contracts with Main Contractors. 

• Contract Administration:  Work with EA’s to oversee the administration of contracts, including preparing and issuing contract documents, managing variations, and resolving disputes. Where relevant appoint consultants, manage costs and invoices. 

• Valuations and Payments: Sign off on behalf of Vivid interim valuations and final accounts. Ensure timely and accurate payments to contractors and consultants. 

• Procurement: Work with internal colleagues to assist in procuring new build suppliers and new products to enable the delivery of Business Case requirements 

• Project Planning: Collaborate with project managers and other stakeholders to develop project plans and schedules. Monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. 

• Stakeholder Management: Maintain strong relationships with Contractors, suppliers, and internal teams. Ensure clear communication and effective collaboration. 

• Project Planning: Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. Ensure alignment with company goals and client expectations. You’ll be required to keep up to date with the latest building legislation and be available to brief other parts of the Business as required. 

• Site Acquisition: Identify and evaluate potential development sites. Conduct feasibility studies and negotiate land acquisitions. 

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Obtain necessary permits and approvals. 

• Design Management: Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other professionals to develop project designs. Ensure designs meet quality standards and client requirements. 

• Construction Oversight: Monitor construction activities to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. 

• Stakeholder Management: Maintain strong relationships with, contractors, stakeholder bodies, and regulatory authorities. Facilitate effective communication and collaboration with these parties and work with internal Clients to ensure that our new homes are fit for purpose. 

• Risk Management: Identify potential project risks and develop mitigation strategies. Address issues promptly to minimize impact on project timelines and budgets. 

• Financial Management: Oversee project budgets and financial performance alongside the Commercial Manager. Ensure cost-effective use of resources and maximise VIVID’s ability to deliver high quality new communities and housing for our residents. 

• Reporting: Prepare regular reports on project status, financial performance, and key milestones. Present findings to senior management. 

• Compliance: Ensure all commercial activities comply with relevant regulations, standards, and company policies 

• Health and Safety: The candidate will be required to manage and engage with Principal Designers (CDM) and (BSA), be actively managing the requirements fro High-Risk Buildings and ensure that the Company provides processes to enable handover for customer Sales and to Accountable persons. 

Qualifications & experience 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Construction Management, or a related field. 
• RICs certified would be beneficial but is not essential 
• Proven experience as a Development Manager or Project Manager, preferably within the housing or social housing sector. 
• Strong commercial delivery acumen and analytical skills. 
• Excellent negotiation and contract management abilities. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools (e.g., MS Office, project management software, Proval, Argus, Sequel). 

A driving licence with a car available for business use is essential.