Interim Development Manager

Housing Partner Procurement Local authority | Housing & mixed-use delivery

A council with a small development team, a large housing portfolio and ambitious delivery plans is seeking an interim Development Manager to lead procurement of a private-sector development partner.

The main programme is a sustainable urban extension with consent for around 3,200 homes, including about 1,300 on council-owned land, supported by a substantial Homes England grant. Planning and infrastructure are progressing separately. This role adds capacity and resilience so the existing team can stay focused on infrastructure while partner procurement is led properly.

The role

• Lead the procurement of a development partner for a mixed-use housing pipeline
• Shape and run a competitive process under the Procurement Act 2023 (competitive dialogue and/or frameworks as appropriate)
• Advise on viability, private-sector housing markets and commercial structure
• Prepare cabinet papers, member briefings and clear public-sector reporting
• Work with legal, finance, planning and housing colleagues through to partner appointment

The procurement is expected to take around 12 months

What we are looking for

• Housing and mixed-use development experience, including local-authority or public-sector delivery
• Comfort with viability, grant-funded schemes and private-sector partners
• Practical knowledge of public procurement (Procurement Act 2023, competitive dialogue, frameworks)
• Experience of cabinet approvals and translating technical detail for members and a public-sector audience
• Someone who can start quickly and work with limited permanent capacity in the team

Arrangement

• Interim, start as soon as possible
• Indicative rate: £400–£500 per day
• Ideally 2–3 days a week on site
• IR35 is likely inside, but this has not been confirmed