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.

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.

• 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

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

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.

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 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

Carry out duties in compliance with the Company’s ISO
9001 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…