Development Director (Construction)

Capstone Property Recruitment

Position: Development Director

Location: London

Reports to: CEO/Founder

Salary: £130,000 basic salary + 50-100% Bonus and Carry

Work Environment: Full-time and office-based role, with flexibility when required but emphasis on teamwork and in-person collaboration.

Company Overview

A privately-owned, entrepreneurial property development and investment firm, are recruiting a Development Director to lead a significant pipeline of BTR schemes across the UK. The company specializes in Build-to-Rent, residential, and mixed-use projects, focusing on acquiring, developing, and operating long-term assets. They operate under a flat organizational structure, promoting collaboration and ownership among its team members. The company’s open, fast-moving environment requires agile thinkers who can contribute across all phases of development.

Role Overview:

A Development Director with a strong construction and technical bias to oversee its property development activities. This role requires someone with a proven track record in managing construction projects from inception through to delivery. Reporting directly to the Principal owners, this individual will be a critical member of the leadership team, focusing on technical design, procurement, and construction execution, while also playing a key role in strategic acquisitions and value engineering.

This is a hands-on role that will complement the existing Development Director. The successful candidate will bring a depth of construction knowledge to ensure seamless project execution while also contributing to a growing portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Construction & Design Management
2. Lead the transition from Stage 3 to Stage 4 of technical design, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality delivery.
3. Manage procurement processes, selecting and appointing contractors and consultants, including quantity surveyors, project managers, architects, and engineers.
4. Oversee and guide on-site construction activities, ensuring that the project team is effectively managing day-to-day operations and progress.
5. Balance time between on-site presence and higher-level project oversight, providing clear guidance on when to be on-site and how to ensure quality and efficiency.

1. Project Leadership & Team Coordination
2. Coordinate a multi-disciplinary team of consultants, ensuring information flow and reporting are optimized to maintain project momentum.
3. Ensure projects meet their set timelines and budgets, actively engaging in problem-solving and decision-making to overcome any challenges or delays.
4. Lead the development of contractual documents, including JCT and D&B contracts, appointments, and warranties, and manage the contract process through completion.

1. Strategic & Entrepreneurial Input
2. Take an entrepreneurial approach to value engineering, identifying opportunities for cost savings and innovative construction solutions.
3. Assess and mitigate project risks, working closely with the team to fast-track decisions and deliver projects on time and within budget.
4. Contribute to acquisitions, actively participating in discussions about new project opportunities and providing technical insights.

1. Cultural Integration
2. Act as a senior leader within a flat structure, embracing a hands-on role with direct involvement in all key decisions.
3. Foster collaboration across the team, contributing to a culture where ideas and input are valued from all levels of the business.

About you:

Proven track record in a similar Development Director or Senior Construction Executive role within a Property Developer (BTR, PBSA, Residential, Later Living sectors).

Previous experience in construction management, main contracting, or project management is beneficial but must demonstrate experience in transitioning into a developer-led environment.

Technical Expertise:

Strong understanding of construction contracts, including managing sub-contractors and the potential to bypass reliance on a principal contractor.

Deep experience with full life-cycle development, from planning and design through to construction and handover.

Knowledge of contractual processes and ability to lead teams in complex project environments.

Mindset & Skills:

Entrepreneurial thinker, with the ability to analyze risks and opportunities, and take decisive actions to move projects forward.

Ability to challenge the status quo, offer innovative solutions, and take ownership of key project decisions.

Strong communication and team leadership skills, with the ability to guide multi-disciplinary teams in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Must thrive in an open, non-hierarchical culture, demonstrating a willingness to roll up sleeves and directly engage in project execution.

Should have a proactive and hands-on approach, being willing to both lead and participate across all aspects of the development process.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking, fast-growing developer where you can have a direct impact on the success and direction of large-scale projects. If you thrive in a dynamic, hands-on environment and have the construction and development expertise to drive forward complex projects, this role could be a perfect fit.

For more details on how to apply, please contact Rob Joslin (Director) from Capstone Recruitment on (0) or email