An internal secondment opportunity has arisen within the Delivery Team for Development Manager on a 6‑month secondment basis. This role offers a valuable development opportunity for colleagues with expertise in affordable housing development, planning processes and property/contract law.

Term: 6 months secondment

Salary: £75,079 p/a

Reporting to: Senior Project Manager

Based at Glory Park, High Wycombe OR BHR Letchworth - please specify your preference.

1 week advertising only - role closes for applications at 5.30pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026

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 30,000 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

The Development Manager will take responsibility for a portfolio of development projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.

You will manage projects from inception through to completion, working closely with internal teams and external partners to successfully hand over completed homes to our Sales and Customer Teams, while ensuring full compliance with health and safety and statutory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Project manage a portfolio of development schemes from inception through to completion.

Ensure Paradigm’s commercial, legal, contractual, audit, charging, health and safety and quality requirements are met and the organisation’s interests are protected throughout the development life cycle.

Provide regular progress reports (at least monthly) to the Head of Project Delivery, highlighting risks, opportunities and any variances against time, cost and quality.

Work collaboratively with Design & Quality, New Business, Sales and Aftercare teams to support smooth project delivery.

Undertake financial appraisals, monitor costs, manage budgets and maintain accurate cost forecasts, escalating changes through appropriate governance routes (PAG / Development Panel).

Manage procurement, raising and receipting purchase orders in line with financial controls.

Maintain accurate and auditable scheme records, including Homes England, charging and key compliance documentation.

Proactively manage project risks, maintaining risk registers and ensuring mitigation actions are implemented.

Manage and review the performance of Employer’s Agents and Clerks of Works, acting as a point of escalation where required.

Ensure all projects comply fully with Health & Safety policies, procedures and statutory obligations.

Support customer issues and complaints alongside the Aftercare team and manage the end‑of‑defects and project close‑down process.

Carry out post‑completion evaluations and “lessons learnt” reviews to inform continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

Must haves:

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience in a construction‑related discipline.

• Experience and understanding of affordable housing development, planning processes and property/contract law.

• Strong commercial and contractual management experience with third parties.

• Evidence of a structured approach to project management.

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills.

• Knowledge of contract‑related legislation.

• Experience in financial appraisal and cost management of development projects.

• Experience of main contractor and subcontractor procurement.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.

• Collaborative approach with a clear understanding of cross‑organisation working.

• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.

Nice to haves:

• Knowledge of construction contract types and their advantages and limitations.

• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIOB, RICS).

• IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.

Why apply?

Please submit your application through Team Tailor recruitment system in the usual way and include in your cover letter the reasons for your application and how you meet the role requirements. Informal discussions are encouraged with the Senior Project Manager or contact Suzanne Prince, Senior Recruitment Partner.

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: £75,079

• 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

• Flexible working – hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging

And that’s just the beginning! We’re also thrilled to provide:

• Mental Health First Aiders available to support

• Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)

• Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships

• 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities

• Peer-recognition rewards platform

• Paid professional subscription (one per year)

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.

Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.

Closing Date: 5.30pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.