Development Project Manager

Development Project Manager

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000

Location: Offices in Sandwich (Kent) and Hastings (East Sussex), with projects located throughout Essex, Kent, Sussex, London and the South East.

Working Pattern: Hybrid working, combining office, site visits and home working.

Hours: 40 hours per week

Reporting To: Director / Senior Project Manager

About Counties & Capital Group

Counties & Capital is a consultancy supporting Local Authorities, Registered Providers, developers and investors across Essex, Kent, Sussex, London and the South-East. We focus on housing delivery, regeneration, governance and strategic development advice.

Our work includes development and regeneration, project and programme management, land agency, new homes services, options appraisals, housing needs and market analysis, viability assessments, governance and stakeholder engagement.

We believe great places require clarity, collaboration and disciplined delivery.

Role Purpose

The Development Project Manager will lead and manage the delivery of development projects from inception through to completion. This includes overseeing feasibility assessments, planning, procurement, construction delivery, and final handover.

The role is accountable for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, to the required quality standards, and in full compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements. Working closely with clients and key stakeholders, the postholder will act as a central interface between internal teams, external consultants, contractors, and local authorities to deliver sustainable, high-quality housing developments aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives.

In addition to project delivery, the role will play a key part in growing the consultancy’s service offering. This includes securing and delivering fee-earning work such as viability appraisals, development and land consultancy, and market feasibility studies. The successful candidate will proactively build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, registered providers, developers, and construction partners to support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle delivery of development projects through all relevant RIBA stages, from inception to completion and handover
• Develop, manage, and maintain detailed project plans, including programmes, milestones, budgets, and risk registers
• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary teams, including Employers Agents, architects, planners, engineers, and cost consultants
• Ensure planning conditions, Section 106 obligations, and statutory approvals are discharged in a timely manner
• Monitor contractor performance through Employers Agents and regular site inspections
• Manage project financial performance, including appraisals, budgets, and cashflow forecasting
• Work collaboratively with finance teams to support funding drawdowns, grant claims, and financial reporting
• Contribute to and oversee sales and marketing strategies aligned with market conditions
• Deliver high-quality consultancy services and maintain excellent client service across the property and housing sectors
• Support business development through bid writing, tender submissions, and proactive networking to secure new opportunities
• Prepare clear, accurate, and concise reports for senior management, funders, and boards
• Represent the organisation at networking and industry events
• Take ownership of client relationships, fostering trust, integrity, and a customer-first approach
• Lead procurement processes, including the appointment of consultants, contractors, and suppliers, ensuring value for money and compliance
• Monitor project progress and proactively manage risks and issues to avoid delays and cost overruns
• Ensure high standards of health and safety are maintained throughout project delivery
• Act as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders, including housing associations, local authorities, contractors, and community groups
• Maintain effective communication with internal teams, including finance, legal, and housing management
• Lead resident and community engagement activities during planning and delivery phases
• Ensure compliance with planning conditions, building regulations, housing standards, and other statutory requirements
• Undertake regular site inspections and manage snagging and defect resolution processes
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery and management practices.

About You

Essential

• Minimum of 2-years experience with an Employers Agent, real-estate consultancy, contractor/developer, Registered Provider or Local Authority.
• Proactive with excellent communication skills and commercial awareness
• Technical knowledge and experience of construction and passion for delivering quality housingand regeneration projects
• Strong organisational and analytical skills
• Ambitious to achieve and collaborative working style
• Willingness to travel & Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Relevant degree or RICS/CIOB membership accreditation
• Understanding of Local Authority and Registered Provider environments
• Knowledge of development, planning policy, affordable housing, Homes England/GLA Funding Programmes
• Interest and commitment to Continued Professional Development

Behavioural Competencies

Adaptability - agile, innovative and open to new ideas and opinions

Business Thinking - understands commercial drivers and financial frameworks

Communication - effective across multiple stakeholders, clear written and verbal skills

Influence & Positive Impact - able to build trust, motivate and persuade others

Initiative - proactive, entrepreneurial and commercially minded

Organisation & Planning - able to prioritise effectively across multiple projects

Problem Solving & Decision Making - pragmatic, solution-focused, with sound judgement

Results Orientation - delivery-focused with commitment to achieving outcomes

Team Player - collaborative, supportive, and aligned to wider business objectives.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Professional development support
• Flexible/ hybrid working
• Travel and mileage reimbursement

Application Process

Submit a 1‑page cover letter and 2‑page CV to ***email_hidden***

If you prefer you can send a 3-minute video clip instead of a cover letter.

The letter (or video) should explain how you meet the role requirements and what you will bring if you worked with Counties & Capital.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual initial introduction informal discussion, followed byin-person interview.