Development Project Officer - #2183378

Development Project Officer

An exceptional opportunity has arisen to join one of North West’s leading housing associations. Prima Group is an ambitious, forward thinking and innovative place to work, we see our people being key to our success, and are Gold Award members of Investors in People.

As a Development Project Officer you will be supporting the delivery of a portfolio of affordable housing development projects from inception through to completion and post-completion review, ensuring schemes are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to agreed quality standards.

Location: Flexible hybrid working arrangements between home and Prima offices (Columbus Quay or Twickenham Drive)

Salary: £39,315 Per annum

Development Project Officer Main Duties:

• Supporting the delivery of a portfolio of affordable housing and regeneration projects through all stages of the development lifecycle, from feasibility and acquisition through to completion, handover and defects resolution
• Acting as Project officer for allocated development schemes, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on programme, within approved budgets and in accordance with agreed quality standards
• Managing external consultants, contractors, developers and professional advisors, ensuring performance, outputs and contractual obligations are effectively monitored and delivered
• Leading project planning, programming and delivery activities, identifying risks, dependencies and critical milestones and implementing effective mitigation strategies
• Preparing and maintaining development appraisals, budgets, cashflows and forecasts, ensuring robust financial management and reporting throughout project delivery
• Preparing business cases, approval papers and governance reports to support informed decision making and project assurance
• Supporting land-led and partnership opportunities through site assessments, feasibility studies, due diligence exercises and development appraisals
• Managing planning applications, statutory approvals, pre-commencement conditions and other regulatory requirements to ensure project compliance
• Supporting procurement activities for consultants and contractors in accordance with organisational policies and governance requirements
• Monitoring construction progress through regular site inspections, progress meetings and performance reviews to ensure delivery against agreed objectives
• Ensuring robust quality assurance processes are implemented throughout design and construction stages to achieve high-quality development outcomes
• Coordinating handover activities and ensuring all compliance documentation, certification, asset information and operational requirements are completed in a timely manner
• Managing defects liability periods, ensuring customer issues are effectively resolved and lessons learned are captured to support continuous improvement
• Developing and maintaining productive relationships with local authorities, Homes England, Combined Authorities, contractors, consultants and other key stakeholders
• Contributing to the development and implementation of departmental strategies, processes and continuous improvement initiatives

Development Project Officer Person Requirements:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience in Development, Construction, Real Estate, Project Management or a related discipline
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle
• APM, PRINCE2 or equivalent project management qualification would be beneficial
• Membership of CIOB, RICS, CIH, APM or similar professional body would be desirable
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent health and safety qualification is preferred
• Strategic planning and organisation
• Risk management and decision making
• Stakeholder engagement and negotiation
• Problem solving and analytical thinking

Skills & Competencies for the role:

Essential:

• Experience of successfully managing housing, construction, regeneration or property development projects
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasts and financial performance
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and controls
• Experience procuring and managing external consultants and contractors
• Experience preparing project reports, business cases and governance documentation
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of development risk management
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Homes England funding programmes and affordable housing delivery models
• Experience of land acquisition, development appraisal and scheme viability assessment
• Understanding of planning, construction and building safety requirements
• Experience working within a housing association or local authority environment

Development Project Officer Benefits- why work for us?

• Generous annual leave
• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• 4 additional concessionary days leave over the Christmas period
• Birthday annual leave
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Competitive pension scheme with salary sacrifice scheme for qualifying staff
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Long service awards
• Flexible and agile working
• 35-hour week Monday-Friday with fully flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid working from the office and from home
• Colleague Support
• Healthcare Cash Plan scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for confidential advice and support
• Discounts on a variety of good such as phone contracts and a cycle to work scheme
• Occupational health services to support wellbeing at work
• Access to Prima’s discount club – Housing Perks
• Recognition and wellbeing:
• Reward and recognition scheme to celebrate achievements
• Discounted gym membership and wellbeing initiatives
• Opportunities to volunteer in your local community
• Free parking on site at Prima’s two offices