Senior Development Project Manager

Working Pattern: Full time

Working Arrangement: Hybrid

Interview Type: Face to face

SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working - giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in shaping and delivering some of Trafford's most significant development and capital projects. You'll be at the forefront of turning ambitious plans into reality, helping to deliver high-quality homes, regeneration initiatives and community-focused developments that make a lasting difference to the borough.

As a senior leader within the Development Team, you will lead a team of internal and external Construction Project Managers, providing strategic direction, support and challenge to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards. You'll oversee complex programmes from inception through to completion, managing budgets, resources, procurement, risk and stakeholder relationships while ensuring projects remain aligned with organisational objectives.

This role offers a unique blend of strategic influence and hands‑on delivery. You'll work closely with senior leaders, consultants, contractors, elected members and key partners, providing expert advice, driving performance and presenting progress, risks and recommendations through established governance structures. You'll also have the opportunity to deputise for the Assistant Director of Development, contributing to wider strategic decision-making and leadership across the service.

About You

We're looking for an experienced project and programme professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and enjoys leading teams through complex challenges. You'll be someone who can see the bigger picture while maintaining a sharp focus on delivery, outcomes and value for money.

You will be successful in this role if you can:

• Inspire, motivate and lead high‑performing project teams, creating a positive and collaborative culture.
• Build strong relationships and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders, partners and delivery teams.
• Balance competing priorities while keeping projects on track, within budget and aligned to agreed objectives.
• Anticipate and manage risks, solving problems proactively and confidently.
• Challenge plans and assumptions constructively to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved.
• Communicate complex information clearly and effectively, whether through written reports, presentations or stakeholder engagement.
• Drive continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to strengthen project delivery and share best practice across the organisation.

This is more than a project management role. It's an opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering projects that will help shape Trafford's future. You'll have the chance to influence major investment decisions, lead talented teams and see the direct impact of your work on communities, places and people. If you're an ambitious leader with a passion for delivering successful development projects and creating meaningful outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Additional Information

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.

Find Out More.

For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.

If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with the hiring manager, Steve Tranter at

About us...

Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world‑class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.

Why Trafford?

We're more than just a local authority; we're a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our "residents, businesses and communities thrive."

Our Culture...

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.

They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.

What you'll love about working with us...

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work‑life balance:

• Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
• Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
• Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
• Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
• Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and "Tea and Talk" sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
• Connect