Development Manager - #2192159

TDM Recruitment is working on an exclusive basis with a well-funded and fast-growing developer of purpose-built, modern care homes. They have a strong pipeline across the UK and are appointing a Development Manager to take schemes from land agreement through planning and into delivery.

This is a national role based from the Midlands, so it suits someone who is happy to travel to sites and works well across a geographically spread portfolio. You’ll report to the Development Director and work closely with the Land Acquisition team. That way, opportunities secured by land are taken forward quickly, viability holds up, and schemes progress to the point where they are ready for operators and investors.

Key Responsibilities

• Run a portfolio of care home schemes across the UK, from exchange or option agreement through planning and technical design to start on site.
• Support the Land Acquisition team on new opportunities, giving development input on feasibility, site capacity, planning risk, abnormal costs and programme.
• Build and maintain development appraisals, budgets and cashflows, keeping viability in step with the original land deal.
• Write and deliver planning strategies, including pre-application engagement, submissions, Section 106 negotiations and discharge of conditions.
• Appoint and manage the consultant team: planners, architects, engineers, ecologists, highways and cost consultants.
• Work with local authorities, highways, statutory bodies and utility providers to reduce delays and secure good outcomes.
• Run technical due diligence on ground conditions, drainage, utilities, highways and title.
• Make sure designs meet operator requirements, CQC guidance and the business’s care home specification.
• Get schemes construction-ready and hand them over cleanly to the delivery team, including tender and procurement support.
• Report regularly to the Development Director on progress, risk, cost and programme, and present schemes to the investment committee when needed.

Experience & Attributes

• Proven development management experience with a developer, housebuilder, care or later living operator, or a development consultancy.
• A track record of taking schemes through the full planning process across several local authorities.
• Experience in care homes, C2, later living, extra care or healthcare is highly desirable. Strong residential, mixed-use or commercial development managers will also be considered.
• Strong commercial skills, including building and interpreting development appraisals and managing budgets.
• Good knowledge of the UK planning system, Section 106, CIL and discharge of conditions.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary consultant teams and technical due diligence.
• Able to manage several schemes in different regions at once, with a collaborative approach across land, design, construction and operator stakeholders.
• Confident communicator and negotiator with local authorities, consultants and senior stakeholders.
• A degree in planning, real estate, surveying, construction or similar is preferred. MRTPI or MRICS is beneficial but not essential.
• Full UK driving licence, based within reach of the Midlands and happy to travel nationally.