Job Description
Development Manager
Contract type: Permanent
Location: London
Working style: Hybrid 50% home/office based
Closing date: 17th April 2026
We’re looking for an experienced Development Manager to lead property development and refurbishment projects across the UK, delivering high‑quality investment assets and maximising value for our internal and external clients.
You’ll work closely with senior colleagues across the sector teams, playing a key role in acquisitions, disposals and development activity. This is a hands‑on role offering real influence, where your commercial judgement and project expertise will directly support portfolio performance and long‑term investment outcomes.
About the role
- Lead or assist the delivery of the development within agreed strategy and authorised limits, working collaboratively with Asset Managers/Investment Managers/Property Portfolio Fund Managers (AM/IM/PFM) throughout.
- Responsible for maximising development profit and development returns (IRR, Profit on Cost %). Responsible for all inputs (cost, time and value) in development appraisals.
- Produce the project brief and manage design development through RIBA stages and in accordance with the brief.
- Manage planning applications and third-party consultations.
- Work collaboratively with AM to achieve forecast development values and rents, ensuring design is customer focused and that leasing supports the development business plan.
- Support and, where appropriate, lead the selection, negotiation and performance management of consultants and contractors.
- Take responsibility for managing projects within agreed budgets, with a focus on accurate, transparent and timely financial reporting.
- Support or lead commercial discussions and negotiations for development agreements, and resolution of third‑party matters that could impact delivery, such as Rights of Light.
About you
- MRICS (or equivalent professional qualification/experience) with minimum 5 years development experience
- Experience of some stages of the development lifecycle from acquisition/feasibility to construction completion and handover (and understanding of those areas in which they don’t have as much direct experience).
- Good understanding of the Town Planning system
- Good knowledge of standard construction contracts and procedures
- Degree level education or relevant wide-ranging practical experience
- Very good knowledge and understanding about sustainability issues
- Expert understanding of property valuations including investment and residential appraisals. Some understanding of financial models or DCFs also helpful.
- Negotiating skills, decision making ability and judgement
- Ability to communicate with people at all levels (individually and in team situations) and give clear instructions verbally and in writing
- Ability to form, develop and maintain relationships
About Royal London Asset Management
Royal London Asset Management (RLAM), part of the Royal London Group, is one of the UK's leading fund management companies working with a wide range of clients across the globe to achieve their investment goals. Our long-term, client-driven focus means that we have a long-standing commitment to responsible investment. We act as responsible stewards of our clients’ capital, exercising their rights and influencing positive change.
Our People Promise to our colleagues is that we will all work somewhere inclusive, responsible, enjoyable and fulfilling. This is underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values; Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.
We've always been proud to reward employees by offering great workplace benefits such as 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an up to 14% employer matching pension scheme and private medical insurance.
Inclusion, diversity and belonging
We’re an Inclusive employer. We celebrate and value different backgrounds and cultures across Royal London. Our diverse people and perspectives give us a range of skills which are recognised and respected – whatever their background.