Development Manager (6m FTC) · High Wycombe ·

SettleParadigm; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A housing organization seeks a Development Manager for a 6-month contract to cover long-term sick leave. This position involves managing development projects, ensuring compliance across various standards, and collaborating with internal teams. The successful candidate will have a degree in a construction-related field and experience in affordable housing development. With a salary of £72,610 plus benefits, this role supports a clear social purpose, aiding the creation of quality homes in the community.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus Christmas closure

Generous pension scheme

Health cash plan

Hybrid working arrangements

Funded training and apprenticeships

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in a construction-related discipline.
• Experience using structured project management approaches.
• Full driving licence and access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of development projects from inception to completion.
• Provide monthly progress reports, highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety procedures.

Skills

Understanding of affordable housing

Commercial contract management

Strong literacy and numeracy skills

Experience in procurement

Excellent communication skills

Strong cross-organisational collaboration

Education

Degree-level qualification in a construction-related discipline

Job description

Development Manager (6m FTC covering long-term sick leave)
Salary: £72,610 + Excellent Benefits
Location: High Wycombe, Letchworth + Hybrid Working (2/3 days per week in the office/on site visits, 2/3 per week working from home).

Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose?

At SettleParadigm, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 27,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire.

Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we’ve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve.

If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we’d love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we’re building a better future.

About the Role/team

You’ll report to the Head of Project Delivery and work alongside a talented team of Development Managers, Design & Quality specialists, New Business colleagues, Sales teams and Aftercare. Together, you’ll ensure each project progresses through the development lifecycle with strong commercial oversight, robust risk management and a relentless focus on quality.

You’ll coordinate external consultants, contractors and housebuilders, ensuring compliance with contractual, legal, financial and health & safety requirements. You’ll also maintain accurate scheme files, manage budgets, monitor risks and ensure all documentation meets audit and Homes England standards.

This is a collaborative, cross‑functional role where you’ll influence decisions, solve problems and help deliver homes that residents are proud to live in.

This role is offered as a 6‑month fixed‑term contract to provide cover during a period of long‑term sickness absence.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of development projects from inception to completion
• Ensure projects meet Paradigm’s requirements across contractual compliance, programme, legal, audit, health & safety and quality
• Provide monthly progress reports, highlighting risks, opportunities and variances
• Work closely with Design & Quality, New Business, Sales and Aftercare teams
• Carry out financial appraisals and maintain accurate cost forecasts
• Manage project budgets, raise purchase orders and receipt completed works
• Ensure compliance with standards, policies, procedures and statutory requirements
• Maintain accurate scheme files for audit, Homes England and charging requirements
• Complete and maintain project risk assessments and risk registers
• Oversee Employer’s Agent and Clerk of Works activity, escalating issues as needed
• Ensure all projects comply with health & safety procedures
• Support customer issue resolution and manage end‑of‑defects processes
• Conduct project evaluations and lessons‑learned reviews to drive improvement

What We’re Looking For

Must haves:

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience in a construction‑related discipline
• Strong understanding of affordable housing, development processes and planning
• Commercial approach to contract management with third parties
• Experience using structured project management approaches
• Strong literacy, numeracy and IT skills
• Knowledge of contract legislation
• Understanding of development appraisal methodology and financial monitoring
• Experience in main contractor/subcontractor procurement
• Market and tender awareness
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Strong cross‑organisational collaboration skills
• Full driving licence and access to a car

Nice to haves:

• Strong knowledge of construction contract types
• Membership of CIOB, RICS or similar
• IOSH or NEBOSH qualification

Benefits

At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.

• Annual salary: £72,610 per annum
• 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
• Generous pension scheme – up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
• Family‑friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Health cash plan – claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover)
• Life cover and income protection
• Hybrid working – modern offices, free parking & EV charging
• And that’s just the beginning:
• 30+ qualified Mental Health First Aiders
• Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues)
• Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
• 3 paid volunteering day
• Peer‑recognition rewards platform
• Paid professional subscription (one per year)

Working Hours

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday

Hybrid working: 2–3 days per week in the office or on site, 2–3 days from home

Site visits will be required across our operating area (Bucks, Beds, Herts and surrounding areas)

Where could this role take you?

Whilst this role is to cover a period of long‑term sickness, in a business our size and with the transformation we are going through, there is a possibility that this could either be extended or other suitable opportunities may arise. Many of our talented colleagues started at SettleParadigm as temporary/interim and have gone on to forge successful careers with us. However, if something longer term doesn’t materialise, you will still gain valuable experience which will add to your employ‑ability in this and similar fields.

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio‑economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.

Accessibility and Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.

Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.

Closing Date

07 January 2026