Development Manager - Freelance

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Development Manager to support our team on a short-term contract basis. This role will be inside IR35 and offers an exciting opportunity to work on key live projects, ensuring delivery from land acquisition through to pre-construction and early development stages.

This position is ideal for a proactive professional with proven experience in development management who is available immediately (or at short notice) and able to hit the ground running.

Key Responsibilities

• As Freelance Development Manager, you will:
• Support the Land/New Business department on pre-development activities, land acquisition, and renegotiation of terms.
• Provide advice on development issues and coordinate with the Technical team to ensure smooth project handovers.
• Oversee budgets, programmes, and appraisal systems to ensure accurate monitoring and reporting.
• Liaise with Legal, Technical, and external advisors to ensure documentation (e.g. Section 38/104, conveyance plans, wayleaves, contracts) is completed on time.
• Drive project progress, identifying risks and implementing solutions to keep delivery on track.
• Negotiate land and building contracts with land agents, solicitors, and clients.
• Maintain excellent communication with internal teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Prepare reports, risk registers, and post-investment reviews as required.

About You

• We’re looking for someone who is:
• An experienced Development Manager, ideally within residential, mixed-use, or commercial property development.
• Skilled in land acquisition, planning, contract negotiation, and budget management.
• Organised, detail-focused, and confident managing multiple workstreams.
• Has excellent IT skills and is able to complete life of site paperwork
• A strong communicator with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders.
• Able to work independently, deliver results quickly, and manage risk effectively.

Contract Details

• Duration: 4–6 months
• Engagement: Freelance contract (Inside IR35)
• Location: Wakefield – Office based
• Rate: Competitive day rate, dependent on experience