Assistant Development Manager

Assistant Development Manager
Department: Development
Reports To: Development Manager / Development Director

Job Summary

The Assistant Development Manager will support the delivery of residential and mixed-use development projects from initial site assessment through planning, development appraisal, and post-planning delivery. The role is suited to a recent graduate with a background in property, planning, or real estate who has ideally gained a few years’ experience within a property agency or consultancy environment.

The successful candidate will assist in identifying development opportunities, preparing development appraisals, managing planning processes, and supporting projects through to implementation. This role requires a strong understanding of land, planning policy, and development viability.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Land Support

• Assist in the identification, assessment, and acquisition of potential development sites.
• Undertake initial site research including planning policy, local market conditions, and development constraints.
• Support the preparation of development feasibility studies and site appraisals.
• Assist in reviewing land opportunities and preparing reports for internal review.

Development Appraisals

• Prepare and update financial development appraisals to assess scheme viability.
• Analyse development costs, sales values, and other key inputs affecting project feasibility.
• Support the preparation of development strategies and investment proposals.

Planning Process

• Assist in managing planning applications from submission through to determination.
• Coordinate with planning consultants, architects, and other professional advisers.
• Monitor planning conditions and assist with the discharge of conditions post-planning approval.
• Keep up to date with local planning policy and regulatory changes affecting development.

Project Coordination

• Support the Development Manager in progressing projects through the development lifecycle.
• Coordinate project teams including consultants, engineers, and external advisers.
• Organise project meetings, maintain records, and track actions.
• Assist with preparing internal reports and project updates.

Post-Planning & Delivery Support

• Assist in progressing schemes following planning approval, including working with design teams and consultants.
• Support the transition of projects from planning stage into delivery and construction phases.
• Monitor project timelines, milestones, and development risks.

Skills and Experience

• Ideally 2–3 years’ experience within a property agency, planning consultancy, or development environment.
• Understanding of land acquisition, planning processes, and development viability.
• Experience preparing or assisting with development appraisals.
• Knowledge of the UK planning system and development process.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Excellent organisational and communication abilities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Real Estate, Property, Urban Planning, Land Management, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Working towards or interested in pursuing professional accreditation (e.g., RICS or RTPI) is advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially aware with an interest in property development.
• Proactive, motivated, and eager to develop within a development-focused role.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external consultants.

For more information, Please forward your up to date CV to cv@smartcityrecruiters.com