Head of Development

Position: Head of Development
Organisation: Leading Local Authority, West London
Position Details:
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £87,000 - £102,000 per annum, plus excellent benefits
Location: London (close to TFL / Underground stations)
Working Arrangements: Hybrid with significant flexibility


Role Overview: We are seeking an accomplished Head of Development to lead and manage the Development Service for a prominent local authority in London. This pivotal role entails providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial management to drive the successful execution of multiple complex development projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement the business plan to deliver various development schemes, including new housing, schools, workspaces, and community facilities.
• Contribute to the target of constructing or initiating 3,000 new energy-efficient affordable homes by 2026.
• Manage the direct delivery programme to ensure all projects meet performance targets, including maximising affordable housing delivery, capital receipts, and enhancing environmental performance.
• Ensure all schemes adhere to the council’s principles of engagement and co-production, particularly aligning with the Defend Council Homes Policy.
• Review and optimise the council’s asset base, identifying future development opportunities and building business cases for investment.
• Foster and manage relationships with elected members, the Greater London Authority (GLA), developers, and other key stakeholders.
• Lead procurement activities to appoint design, technical, and construction professionals for development projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the council to ensure seamless design, construction, handover, and operation of new homes and assets.
• Manage capital budgets of approximately £0.5bn for the direct delivery programme and annual operational budgets of around £1m.
• Contribute significantly to the leadership and senior management of the Place Division, shaping its strategic direction, culture, processes, and standards in line with council policies.

Candidate Profile: The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record in leading large-scale, high value, development projects. They will possess strong financial acumen, excellent stakeholder management skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable housing and community assets.

Benefits:

• Access to the Local Government Pensions Scheme
• Competitive annual leave entitlement
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount scheme
• Variety of flexible working options
• Employee volunteering scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• Performance management and career progression support

Application Process: This role represents a unique opportunity to contribute to a major local authority’s development ambitions and make a lasting impact on the community. If you have the vision, skills, and experience to drive our development projects forward, we invite you to apply.