Development Director - Real Estate Finance​/Project Finance

About the role

Balfour Beatty Investments, a fully owned subsidiary of Balfour Beatty plc is looking for an accomplished Development Director with deep expertise in development finance, project finance, financial structuring and commercial negotiation. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the financial and commercial success of a major residential regeneration scheme in London, where BBI is a joint venture partner.

In this high‑impact position, you’ll lead the financial and commercial structuring of the project—reviewing financial models, analysing key inputs, and refining development assumptions to maximise viability and support long‑term programme delivery.

Where capacity allows, you’ll also contribute to our growing PBSA (Purpose‑Built Student Accommodation) portfolio—supporting new development and bidding opportunities both on and off campus.

• Leading the financial and commercial structuring of a large‑scale residential regeneration project spanning market sale, BTR and affordable housing.
• Reviewing, challenging and optimising financial models and development appraisals prepared by internal teams and advisors.
• Running sensitivity and scenario analysis to assess risk exposure and model resilience.
• Evaluating commercial, project and equity risks to ensure alignment with BBI’s investment criteria.

• Negotiating heads of terms, purchase agreements, debt financing structures and forward‑funding arrangements.
• Preparing, reviewing and negotiating loan agreements and financing documentation.
• Supporting bid submissions, investment papers and governance reporting.
• Contributing to land acquisition, tender processes, project award and Financial Close activities.

• Coordinating multidisciplinary teams and maintaining momentum toward key milestones.
• Working collaboratively with JV partners, advisors, contractors, lenders and internal stakeholders.
• Monitoring project costs and supporting budget control and invoice approvals.

• Engaging with universities and key PBSA stakeholders.
• Conducting demand and supply assessments and competitor benchmarking across UK cities.
• Supporting financial modelling, funding analysis and commercial structuring for new PBSA opportunities.
• Assisting with procurement, tender processes and consultant/contractor engagement.

• Undertaking market research, city and micro‑location analysis, and pipeline assessments.
• Liaising with planning and regulatory bodies to support scheme progress.
• Preparing and presenting investment papers and committee‑ready reporting.

• Proven experience within in development, finance, real estate or a related environment.
• A relevant post‑graduate or professional qualification (finance, accounting, or real estate).
• Proven experience structuring and arranging development finance for residential or BTR schemes.
• Experience relevant to or transferable into the PBSA sector.
• Strong business development capabilities with excellent written communication skills.
• Exceptional financial and analytical skills, including appraisal review and development modelling.

• Proactive, self‑motivated and confident in taking ownership of complex work streams.
• A strong communicator, comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders.
• Collaborative yet capable of leading when required.
• Highly organised, detail‑focused and structured in approach.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain industry relationships.
• Flexible, resilient and able to prioritise effectively under pressure.
• A creative problem‑solver with a positive, professional attitude.

Alongside the amazing opportunity, support and pride that you will gain from developing your career with one of the world's foremost infrastructure giants, you will also enjoy:

• Company DC pension scheme up to 5% EEs & 7% ERs
• Wellbeing sessions - non-work-related activities go for a walk, do some house duties etc.
• Opportunity to join into the company SIP scheme.
• Flexible benefits window Options to…