Head of Development

Who we’re looking for:

We’re seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to oversee the planning and delivery of high-impact regeneration and development projects within the Garden City vision. As Head of Development, you’ll manage complex schemes from inception to completion—including direct civic building delivery and third-party projects supported by funding from the Corporation. This role requires expert coordination of internal and external resources to ensure timely, budget-conscious execution aligned with corporate priorities. You’ll also provide professional insight to the Board to support key investment decisions on public sector initiatives. If you’re ready to shape transformative places and lead with purpose, we want to hear from you.

Main Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• To oversee, lead, develop and co-ordinate the delivery of a series of complex regeneration and development projects including a number of civic buildings, and other built assets, to ensure the projects are delivered at pace, deliver against EDC’s strategic objectives, remain within budget and have robust project management arrangements in place including:
  • To develop and implement the Project Strategy and Project Plans
  • Prepare, monitor and manage the overall programme of activity for the projects; reporting against key milestone and deliverables
  • The monitoring and reporting of key performance and financial indicators
  • Ensure robust systems and processes for effective risk management are in place and maintained, in line with the Corporations Risk Management Policy

• To oversee, lead and manage the governance and delivery arrangements for the projects, solving problems, ensuring value for money, quality delivery, risk management, the highest standards of health and safety and a comprehensive approach to the management of the overall programme of activity across the projects.
• Oversee the required master planning and associated design work, subsequent planning applications, discharge of conditions and other technical work to ensure the Corporation’s objectives for the projects are met.
• Work in collaboration with the Director of Infrastructure and Enabling Works to establish development and construction delivery strategies for the projects (N.B:// Management of the construction phase of directly delivered projects will be the responsibility of the Director of Infrastructure and Enabling Works)
• Work collaboratively with other teams within EDC who play a role in advising with regards to the civic buildings and infrastructure planned, including the Head of Placemaking, to ensure the assets developed are sustainable, flexible, adaptable and aligned to the needs of the community whilst delivering value for money for the Corporation.
• Lead work to determine the long term stewardship and asset management arrangements for the development assets, civic buildings and civic infrastructure planned, including working in collaboration with the Ebbsfleet Garden City Trust and liaising with external providers of civic buildings and other relevant built assets.
• Lead the development of future Business Cases and approval through EDC internal processes and MHCLG/HMT approvals as required.
• Develop, implement and oversee all stakeholder management on the projects including managing relationships with external landowners, third parties, local government and wider statutory stakeholders.
• Design and implement effective procurement processes for the selection and appointment of delivery partners, as and when required. Ensure appropriate legal agreements are entered into which protect the commercial interests of the Corporation and facilitate delivery of the garden city vision.
• Ensure all commercial arrangements are in place to support the timely delivery of the projects, including leading, undertaking and confirming commercial negotiations with partner organisations including Ebbsfleet Garden City Trust, Kent County Council and the Integrated Care Board (ICB).
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Development – Ebbsfleet Central and Head of Property to ensure that project plans are aligned and cohesive, risks minimised and a coordinated approach for delivery including respective planning applications for each project is in place.
• Procure, recruit and manage appropriate consultant support, to ensure quality outputs, to programme and that represent value for money.
• Presentation of regular reports on aspects of the project to the Infrastructure and Investment Panel, Board, MHCLG and HM Treasury.
• Lead the project team including mentoring and line managing the staff team and also overseeing the work of specialist project managers and other staff supporting the delivery of the projects.
• As a Senior Manager in the Corporation, support the work of the EDC overall, including advising, shaping and contributing to projects and initiatives across the EDC that deliver corporate objectives.
• Deputise for the Director of Development when required along with the other Heads of Development.

For the full list of responsibilities and the essential criteria, view the role below.