Development Manager

We have partnered with a growing, high-quality housebuilder to strengthen their Land & Planning team with an ambitious Development Manager / Land Buyer based in Kent.

Working closely with the wider pre-development team, you will support the delivery of residential projects across the full lifecycle, from land identification, acquisition and planning promotion through to technical handover and construction.

This is a hands-on position offering exceptional exposure across the entire development cycle, with the scope to take increasing ownership of schemes as your career progresses within a dynamic, well-regarded housebuilder.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the identification, appraisal and acquisition of viable residential development opportunities across Kent and the wider South East.
• Assist in preparing detailed development appraisals, financial models and board approval packs for prospective land purchases.
• Work alongside internal teams and external consultants through the planning application and local plan promotion processes.
• Coordinate pre-development due diligence, reviewing title, ground conditions, technical constraints and Section 106 obligations.
• Manage the discharge of planning conditions and ensure smooth transition into technical design and site delivery.
• Liaise with key external stakeholders including land agents, local planning authorities, consultants and landowners.
• Monitor project milestones, budgets and programmes to ensure developments remain on schedule.

Candidate Profile

• Background operating as an Assistant Development Manager, Development Surveyor or Land Buyer looking to take the next step.
• Experience gained within residential housebuilding, property development, planning consultancy or surveying practices.
• Solid understanding of the residential development lifecycle, financial appraisals and UK planning policy.
• Highly organised with strong commercial awareness, numerical accuracy and sharp attention to detail.
• Confident communicator with the interpersonal skills to negotiate and build enduring relationships with external partners.

Ref: 4547AC