We are looking for an Interim Head of Development to assist our client with turning their vision into reality! The scale of the project is significant and requires expert management of financial, commercial and development risk and an understanding of the creation and management of science, innovation and commercial districts. This is a full-time position, based in Cambridge (hybrid working available) and is likely to run for 6-9 months with a possible extension.
The successful candidate will provide interim strategic leadership with hands-on capability to drive and deliver performance across all early-stage development-related activities. This will include implementing the strategies and overseeing the appropriate stages of the masterplan, building out the business case to secure funding and development of commercial, research and leading-edge buildings in addition to significant site-wide infrastructure, amenity and placemaking assets.
As Interim Head of Development, you will assist in developing the commercial business plan, working closely with procurement, finance, sustainability and operations teams to prepare for future phases. This will include the following core areas of focus: procurement of design team, viability and options analyis, design, sustainability, planning, programming, phasing, funding, financial modelling, sequencing, delivery strategy and designing for operations.
In summary, this is a generational opportunity for the successful candidate to initiate the early stage development activities to enable a world-leading and commercially successful Innovation District to emerge.
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the following key skills and experience:
- Demonstrable experience leading the development of major commercial office / business district / R&D and Laboratory developments, and /or Innovation Districts, from inception, through funding, and into delivery, leasing and occupation (in the UK or internationally)
- Significant major project development experience with deep understanding of funding and partnership structures, delivery strategies, programming and successful place-making across multiple asset classes including innovative funding and partnership models
- Ability to optimise major development projects to drive commercial outcomes and mitigate risk
- Experience in reporting complex information to Boards with a focus on financial transparency and outcomes
- A strategic leader who can build, direct and inspire internal and external teams
- In depth understanding of business planning, both strategic and tactical and an ability to manage ambiguity.
- In depth understanding of long-term financial analysis and interpretation of outputs for developments and operational assets.
- Skilled in stakeholder management both internal and external (partners, funders, occupiers).
- Skilled in the planning and phasing of complex developments to drive value in all areas
- Accomplished verbal and written influencing skills with the ability to communicate complex material to a wide range of stakeholders
- Leadership and management of teams in complex environments, leading to successful outcomes of large-scale development programmes.
- RICS or other similar professional qualification (including financial qualifications), degree or demonstrable successful experience in a similar role.
If you wish to view a full job description and discuss the role in more detail, please send a copy of your CV to our team today!