Developments South West
As the UK's leading social enterprise, Places for People take a commercial approach to Community building. Through our end-to-end Developments business, we seek to maximise value in all its forms and for all stakeholders, while creating and supporting Communities that deliver optimum social, economical and environmentally-balanced outcomes.
We have a long-term commitment to designing, constructing and selling quality homes in sustainable, inclusive and thriving Communities equipped with comprehensive social and commercial amenities and infrastructure.
We operate across England and Scotland, through four regional businesses, a specialised Placemaking and Regeneration team and a newly formed Strategic Land division. This allows us to combine the strengths of a national developer with local knowledge and focus.
So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!
More About the Role
As a Senior Development Manager, you will report to the Development Director and play a pivotal role in identifying, assessing, and securing land-led opportunities across the South West region. You'll lead the bid process, negotiate acquisition terms, and manage the purchase process, including legal due diligence. Collaborating with the Senior Planning Manager, you'll oversee project costs, planning applications, and legal agreements while working to achieve broader project goals. You will also prepare detailed business cases, maintain and update financial appraisals, and manage relationships with consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality schemes. Representing the organisation at professional forums and networking to build industry relationships will also be central to your role.
More About You
We're looking for someone with significant industry experience ideally with a national or regional housebuilder and a degree in a relevant field is also desirable. You'll have a proven track record of acquiring sites in the private sector, managing competitive land bids, and negotiating key legal agreements. With strong commercial acumen, financial modelling expertise, and a robust industry network (ideally along the M4/M5 corridors), you will excel at delivering results under pressure. Exceptional communication and problem-solving skills, combined with the ability to mentor and manage other land focussed team members are essential. You will have excellent experience engaging with other departments to achieve the necessary due diligence required to deliver and optimise our land bids. A deep understanding of housing markets, funding streams, and risk management will set you apart.
The benefits
We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you job security and all the challenge you could wish for. Here people can flourish, thrive, better themselves and work in fantastic communities with inspirational colleagues and customers.
We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to help colleagues save money or make their lives a little bit easier which can include:
Annual bonus Car or car allowance Excellent holiday pay and sick pay Pension with matched contributions Training Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more.What's next?
If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then apply following our simple 5 minute application process, upload a CV and a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions please email the recruitment team recruitment@placesforpeople.co.uk
If you are a Places for People customer and you're looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on skillsemployment@placesforpeople.co.uk.
Please note that we may bring the closing date forward, if we receive a large number of quality applications. If you are interested in this role we would advise applying immediately to avoid disappointment.
If you are using a mobile device such as an iPad then ensure your CV is stored in the cloud, we currently support Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox.
If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls
Armed Forces - We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant. Places for People will guarantee an interview for any candidate who is serving or has formerly served in the Armed Forces, as a reservist, armed forces veteran (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructor and military spouse/partner and who meets the essential criteria for the vacancy.
Disability Confident - We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident scheme certified as Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. This helps us to successfully employ and retain people with disabilities and health conditions. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview. The Equality Act 2010 (Disability Discrimination Act 1995 for NI) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has sa substantial and long-term negative effect on their ability to do daily activities.
Neurodivergent – Neurodiverse individuals have highly valuable skills, and we recognise that a traditional interview process sometimes works against them and doesn’t allow them to self-advocate. Neurodiverse applicants who meet the criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview.
Start Your Application