ABOUT THE LAND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

The Land Development Agency (LDA) is a key Government Commercial Semi-State Body that delivers affordable and social housing on State and other lands. It is overseen by an independent board of directors and is funded with €5 billion of equity capital committed by the Government. It is also permitted to borrow up to €1.25bn.
The LDA has commenced construction on various state sourced lands and is currently working on 25 plus direct delivery projects that can deliver over 15,000 homes. It is also delivering affordable housing by working with the private sector on an initiative called ‘Project Tosaigh’, which will yield a further 8,000 homes on land provided by housebuilders.
Additionally, the LDA is working on large-scale longer-term strategic areas by master-planning and bringing forward planning applications in locations such as Limerick Colbert Quarter, the Cork Docklands and Sandy Road in Galway.
The LDA is underpinned by a positive, collegiate, ‘can do’ culture based on our core values of Integrity, Results, Collaboration, Sustainability and Innovation. Our team is around 200 people and growing rapidly.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

• At least 5 years’ experience in roles related to the property development sector.
• Have a real passion for delivering transformative developments, with residential experience very beneficial.
• Hold a recognised degree level qualification in project management /construction/ development sector or related industry field.
• Have a strong project management skillset. Proactive management style and solutions oriented.
• Hold a good level of knowledge of the Irish or UK Planning, development and construction sectors (or relevant industry field).
• Have experience of stages of the development lifecycle from site feasibility through to construction.
• Can demonstrate technical knowledge and an understanding of technical principles such as the planning system, construction buildability, technical solutions and value engineering.
• Demonstrating commercial acumen and an understanding of commercial viability & cost drivers and the impact on budgets would be a distinct advantage.
• Can lead, manage and assist others; is able to provide direction and can communicate clear instructions; motivating and empowering others.
• Demonstrate a willingness to take on new responsibilities and the ability to work unsupervised or as part of a team within a well-defined project organisation structure.
• Have a commitment to developing new skills and embracing new challenges.

THE ROLE

The Development Manager role will offer the right candidate an exciting opportunity to join the Development Team, who form part of a wider Agency of leading LDA professionals (incl. Cost, Investment, Legal, Planning, Construction & Asset Management). All Agency departments collaborate closely to deliver a wide range of residential and regeneration projects across the country. The Development Manager role is embedded into a Development Team Pod, who will be responsible for managing large-scale affordable housing projects and driving them forward across the full lifecycle of development (incl. appraisal, acquisition, design, planning, procurement and delivery). The role will have a particular focus on the development lifecycle from inception through to commencement of construction on-site.
The role provides successful candidates a platform to build on their prior industry experience, by developing the skills & expertise required to lead delivery of large-scale affordable housing projects. The Development Manager plays a key function in the team pod, responsible for managing day-to-day elements of their projects and pivotal in supporting junior team members in pursing their own learning & development opportunities.
Being part of a Development Team Pod, guided by a Senior Development Manager, creates a thriving team environment where an emphasis is placed on the Development Manager’s experience, exposure, support and professional growth. The ideal candidate will have worked in a similar role in the industry with transferable skills and experience, have the relevant technical qualifications, and most importantly show the work ethic and adaptability required to play an important role in delivering landmark projects. Being able to demonstrate the application of project management skillsets in a previous role is essential.
The LDA are committed to encouraging and supporting career development progression through tailored mentoring and on/off the job training. Within the Agency there is a track record of successful career progression by candidates who can demonstrate that they have a strong interest in the housing and development sector, have strong communication skills, problem solving abilities and are eager to learn.
The LDA are uniquely positioned in the housing and development sector as one of the largest agencies who have a long term intertest in delivering affordable & sustainable homes. This in turn supports the creation of thriving communities and delivers a positive social impact.
This Development Manager role plays an important part in delivering this goal.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Development Manager will be assigned to projects that may be at various stages across the lifecycle of a Development and will be required to manage key elements of projects, supported by their Development Pod and the wider Project team. The Development Manager will be expected to carry out the following day-to-day tasks:

• Manage developments at various stages of the development life cycle from early concept, acquisition, planning, design, procurement through to delivery and handover.
• Support the undertaking of initial site feasibility studies, identifying development opportunities and constraints.
• Contribute to the development & implementation of development strategies and supporting investment case, including optioneering analysis and the recommendation of optimum delivery approach.
• Prepare development briefs including project scope and deliverables, programme, budget and design team scopes of services.
• Coordinate and liaise across all development functions, seeking and managing inputs from both internal and external project teams and key stakeholders.
• Manage the appointment of design teams, other professional service providers and construction contractors (incl. scope definition, preparation of tender docs and tender evaluation).
• Engage with project stakeholders such as local authorities, utility providers, private developers and landowners; build and maintain working relationships.
• Proactively manage design teams and other professional service providers from a technical, programme and budgetary perspective.
• Work with the wider LDA team for effective delivery of project work streams and delivery of projects.
• Administration and management of all project documentation, including, contracts, monthly project reports, programmes, development budgets, project registers and trackers.

In addition, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to support and actively contribute to wider business development and corporate strategy initiatives. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain the LDA’s Core values at all times.