Development Manager in Cheltenham

Beach Baker is delighted to be working in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council to recruit a new position of Development Manager.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading part in the Major Developments and Regeneration Team to support the delivery of its flagship Golden Valley Development, among other capital projects.

The work will include a huge variety of developments, from challenging high-street mixed-use schemes through to major commercial and housing estates.

The organisation

Cheltenham Borough Council is at the heart of the local community. The Council own many property assets including an airport, stunning parks and gardens, a range of iconic cultural and listed buildings and 4,500 council houses.

It has key partnerships with The Cheltenham Trust, Ubico, Cheltenham BID and Cheltenham Festivals. Whatever you do, or wherever you go in Cheltenham, Cheltenham Borough Council will be involved somewhere!

The opportunity

The Golden Valley Development is unique and will be world leading. The 200-hectare site on the outskirts of Cheltenham will be a new development of over 2,000 homes and 1.5m ft2 of commercial floor space.

It will create a vibrant pioneering Garden Community integrating hi-tech business, residential and leisure uses. At its heart will be the National Cyber Innovation Centre, the UK home of the cyber, digital and creative sectors arising from Cheltenham’s international reputation for leadership in cyber innovation. With a significant development site adjacent to GCHQ in a highly accessible location with great connectivity, the opportunity exists to create a destination of global significance.

The position

The Development Manager role will play an integral part in the Golden Valley Development and across the borough and therefore require experience in the development sector and preferably the lifecycle of schemes from feasibility and land assembly through to planning, procurement, and delivery, partnering with a variety of public and private stakeholders.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in driving forward planning and development work often working with landowners, development partners and stakeholders in securing delivery. These stakeholders will include government bodies, other local authorities, Homes England, landowners & their agents.

You will engage with a range of stakeholders including contractors, consultants, occupiers, land owners, development partners, councillors and other government bodies.

Main responsibilities

Driving the delivery of major development and regeneration on land where the Council has a legal interest.

Providing advice in preparation of strategies to identify opportunities for major development and regeneration in Cheltenham.

Leading on planning matters providing (and commissioning as required) advice and input on schemes and strategies.

Maintain effective working relationships with all relevant statutory bodies including the relevant local planning authorities, Gloucestershire County Council and other agencies.

Support key infrastructure projects for the Council and ensure that relationships are effectively managed with key stakeholders such as Tewkesbury Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council.

Support the Council’s Property Department with the implementation of the Asset Management Strategy.

Support the Council’s housing delivery strategy – working with other council officers and key partners

Ensure that all external appointments are correctly procured and appointed in line with the Council’s financial and contract rules.

Lead & support contract negotiations through structured procurement procedures.

Ensure that effective reporting mechanisms are in place with all projects to ensure the Council is able to review and consider all significant planning and development issues and risks.

Attend, support and represent the Council at all levels of governance; manage its involvement at steering groups and boards to support the Senior Responsible Officer and other Officers.

The candidate

The ideal candidate will be possess 5+ years of experience in the development sector and be professional qualified (RICS) with a Real Estate degree, or possess similar alternative work experience.

Experience

• schemes through the development process
• and working in multi-disciplinary teams
• knowledge of the public, private and “third” sectors.
• schemes in a multi-stakeholder environment where conflicting interests may exist

Skills and abilities

• level of IT skills - MS Office
• effectively at all levels (excellent verbal and written skills)
• results through others
• customer focussed, flexible, responsive, and co-operative with customers
• proactive/self-motivated
• and meets tight deadlines
• together with employees, colleagues and customers to resolve problems and implement change initiatives
• to maintain confidentiality in accordance with current data protection legislation

Reasons to join

The Council have a flexible working hours / working from home policy which makes it convenient for people with young families (schools runs, etc) and outside of work interests.

The Development & Regeneration department is a recently formed team that currently consists of, Major Development & Regeneration Director, Head of Construction, Head of Development, Development Manager, Programme Manager and support staff.

Therefore, you will be surrounded by a great network of property professionals. The team have a forward thinking approach, who embrace change and new ideas.

The team are community and culture focused, therefore the work you carry out will have a genuine impact to the local area and its population.

Opportunity to deliver market leading development projects.

The Council’s office is located at Municipal Office (Promenade) which is in the heart of the Town Centre, with easy access to local amenities including the train station, restaurants, cafes, etc.

Cheltenham

• Area of outstanding natural beauty and within 10-miles of the Cotswolds
• Local and regional economic growth
• Fantastic schooling system
• World class festivals
• Excellent transport links

The financial package and benefits

• Basic salary £52,203 - £58,986
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• 26 days annual leave (plus BH) increasing by 1 day per year of service up to 31 days total (you have the opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days leave)
• 2 additional volunteering days paid per year
• Employee Assistance Programme administered through Health Assured
• Free annual Flu vaccinations
• Free eye tests and a contribution towards glasses
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted town centre parking
• Local event offers and discounts
• Enhanced special leave (maternity/paternity/adoption/sick pay etc)
• Payment of one professional subscription per year
• Shower and bike storage facilities available at the office

How to apply

If you wish to apply for this exciting opportunity, or would like more information, including our candidate information pack, please contact Rupert Stuart Baker, at , or 07557 978 873.

All third party and direct applications and unsolicited candidate introductions via other recruitment agencies will be forwarded to Beach Baker for review.