Overview
At Buro Happold, we are shaping how cities evolve, connect, and thrive. We are seeking an Urban Development Director to drive our growth strategy across London and the wider South of the UK. Based in our London office near Old Street, this role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, with an expectation of being on-site 2–3 days per week to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. This senior role focuses on shaping major opportunities—from early-stage positioning through to winning and delivering complex, multidisciplinary projects that transform urban environments.
If you’re passionate about influencing city-scale development and leading high-impact pursuits, this is your opportunity to make a real mark.
What you’ll be doing
- Take ownership of major urban development pursuits and lead from strategy through to delivery.
- Leading work-winning activity: shape and secure high-value opportunities in regeneration, mixed-use developments, growth corridors and major campuses.
- Develop compelling bid strategies, win themes and client propositions.
- Lead tender processes, interviews, and strategic pursuits.
- Build and grow client relationships; develop long-term relationships with key stakeholders across public and private sectors.
- Identify and nurture strategic partnerships and collaborations; act as a trusted advisor to clients throughout the project lifecycle.
- Drive market strategy and pipeline growth: identify priority clients and opportunities in line with business objectives; build and manage a robust pipeline aligned to UK+ Cities growth plans; contribute to market positioning and visibility of our urban development offer.
- Lead multidisciplinary collaboration: work closely with technical, commercial and business development teams; align delivery strategies to ensure profitable, high-quality outcomes; support the transition from bid-winning to delivery.
- Act as Project Director where required; maintain continuity from winning work through to delivery; ensure strong client outcomes and commercial success.
What success looks like
This role is designed to build and accelerate growth in a structured way.
- First 6–12 months: Establish market positioning and a strong opportunity pipeline; convert early positioning into initial commissions and framework wins; secure early-stage advisory and multidisciplinary work.
- Beyond Year 1: Deliver sustained revenue growth through matured opportunities; win and deliver major urban development commissions; build long-term client relationships and repeat business.
About you
You are a credible, commercially focused leader with a strong track record in urban development and work winning. We’re looking for someone who brings:
- Proven success in winning major urban development or regeneration projects.
- Strong understanding of UK planning, procurement and development models; ideally with a technical background in transport planning.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary bids and project delivery.
- Ability to build strategic client relationships and influence decision-makers.
- Expertise in shaping bid strategies, pursuit planning and commercial positioning.
- A collaborative leadership style with the ability to align multiple stakeholders.
What we offer you
- Hybrid working arrangements; attractive salary and benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance and income protection; 10% car allowance.
- Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum (exclusive of bank holidays) with flexible holiday arrangements.
- Generous company pension scheme and flexible benefits including cycle scheme, dental insurance, optical cover, travel insurance, season ticket loans, and corporate discounts.
- Enhanced parenthood leave policies and a 3pm finish on the last Friday of the month.
- A strong commitment to continuous development through learning and development programmes; entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions.
- A supportive and inclusive environment with social and outreach activities; an international culture where career mobility is recognised.
Inclusion and accessibility
We value flexible working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those seeking flexibility. We are committed to representing diverse identities and backgrounds in the built environment and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply. If you require adjustments to the application process, please contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can support you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…