Assistant Development Manager

We are looking for an ambitious Assistant Development Manager to oversee the day-to-day delivery of a live 233-bed PBSA scheme in Waterloo currently entering RIBA Stage 4 design. This role is a combination of development, design and project management working across the entire lifetime of the project from acquisition and construction to divestment.

What might appear on your to-do list?

Project Delivery

• Maintaining the development budget and programme.
• Coordinating with the Employers Agent to manage the contractor through construction to building completion.
• Managing project reporting including monthly project reviews to UK directors.
• Ensuring all HB Reavis responsibilities are agreed and discharged (planning, construction, party wall).
• Managing and updating the project’s risk register and risk management.

Design

• Ensuring the project is delivered to a high standard in line with the brief.
• Managing the Client Monitoring Team and Employers Agent to ensure the Contractors Proposals are completed in line with the Employers’ Requirements.
• Coordinating and providing client feedback on the design as it is developed by the contractor.
• Ensuring all value engineering opportunities are properly considered throughout the design development stage and beyond.
• Managing the Building Safety Regulator Gateway 2 process as client duty holder

Construction and Handover

• Visiting the site for meetings and inspections and reporting on quality and progresss.
• Overseeing of the Employers Agent duties (change control, coordinating site monitoring and reporting, and tracking progress against the handover checklist).
• Ensuring operator and university requirements are complied with.
• Managing the Building Safety Regulator Gateway 3 process as client duty holder.

Supporting with

• Delivery of the project business plan in line with objectives and KPI.
• Market and competition research to inform development decisions.
• Operator selection, contracting and mobilisation.
• NOI optimisation through revenue and OPEX agreements.
• Securing university nominations for at least 51% of beds.
• Developing and executing sales strategy for open‑market beds to stabilise the asset in year one.
• Financing arrangements and ongoing funder reporting and compliance.

Do you meet these criteria? You're already a strong candidate!

• An experienced professional with at least 5 years of proven experience in architecture or development management including design and project development.
• Proven experience in the London living sector (PBSA preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of JCT Design & Build contracts and associated legal documentation
• End‑to‑end understanding of the development lifecycle and financial literacy
• Solid knowledge of Building Regulations, CDM and the Building Safety Act.
• Confident use of technology within real estate, including emerging tools such as AI and automation.
• Collaborative, transparent approach with the ability to operate effectively within a small, high‑performing team.

What you can expect from us

We offer a competitive and well‑rounded benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, growth and life outside of work.

• Financial security from day one – pension, life assurance, income protection, private medical insurance and health cash plan.
• Smart salary‑sacrifice options – including childcare support, season ticket loans, gym membership, cycle to work and an electric car scheme.
• Flexible ways of working – while we are an office‑first organisation, we offer flexible working arrangements and working hours to help you balance work with your personal commitments.
• Wellbeing & family support – employee assistance programme, health screenings, enhanced parental leave and access to wellbeing initiatives.
• A workplace you’ll enjoy – award‑winning, wellbeing‑focused offices, regular social events, volunteering opportunities, healthy snacks and drinks.
• Extra perks that matter – employee discounts and a referral bonus for recommending new colleagues.
• Continuous learning & development – an individual development budget, an annual LLM licence tailored to your needs, and targeted development opportunities aligned with your goals.