Head of Development Projects

Cobalt is working with a privately backed property and development business delivering large-scale residential and mixed-use schemes across the Midlands. This is a senior role, taking end-to-end responsibility for complex development projects from early-stage planning through to completion and handover.

The business is an active UK developer with a growing residential pipeline and a long-term investment horizon. It operates in a hands‑on, client‑side environment, with close collaboration between land, development, technical and commercial teams, and regular reporting into an international head office. The culture supports autonomy, clear accountability and high‑quality decision‑making across the development lifecycle.

As Head of Development Projects, you will take strategic ownership of major residential and mixed‑use developments, acting as the senior client representative and leading multidisciplinary teams from pre‑planning through construction and completion.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the planning application process, including environmental, technical and statutory requirements.
• Overseeing Section 106 negotiations, CIL contributions and associated legal agreements.
• Directing pre‑planning strategy, technical due diligence and infrastructure delivery.
• Acting as client lead in support of external house builders, consultants and contractors.
• Owning and governing the master development programme from pre‑construction through to handover.
• Leading risk‑based programme assessments, time impact analysis and mitigation planning.
• Working closely with land teams on the technical and delivery analysis of potential acquisitions.
• Ensuring alignment between programme, procurement strategy, sustainability objectives and contractual obligations under NEC or similar forms.
• Providing clear, data‑driven reporting to senior stakeholders and international headquarters across technical, operational and executive forums.

• Senior‑level experience leading residential or mixed‑use development projects in a client‑side role.
• Strong technical background, with training or qualifications in construction, architecture or civil engineering.
• Working knowledge of highways, drainage and infrastructure‑led residential delivery.
• Proven experience managing large, low‑rise residential schemes from planning through delivery.
• Background within a developer or house builder environment, or a consultancy with deep residential exposure.
• Excellent stakeholder management, reporting and analytical skills.
• Professional membership (APM, CIOB, ICE, RICS or similar) is advantageous.
• Midlands‑based or able to travel regularly across the region.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Experience delivering brownfield or change‑of‑use residential schemes.

Interviews are ongoing, and the client is keen to progress quickly. Apply now to be considered.

Due to the volume of applications received, if you do not hear back, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

If you require any adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process for any reason whatsoever, please let your Cobalt consultant know.