Property Development Director - private estate
Private Rural Estate Portfolio
Full-time | Based in Wiltshire (with travel to Shropshire)
The Opportunity
We are seeking an outstanding Property Development Director to take a hands-on leadership role in delivering a diverse and ambitious development programme across a significant rural estate portfolio.
This is a senior, delivery-focused role for a commercially astute development professional who is deeply embedded in the construction process. You will take ownership of projects from early concept through to completion, driving quality, programme, and cost with a proactive, solutions-led approach.
Working closely with the Estate Director, you will lead both internal and external teams, ensuring projects are executed to the highest standards. This role offers the opportunity to shape and deliver complex developments across heritage assets, rural infrastructure, and high-quality residential and commercial property.
Key Responsibilities
Development & Project Delivery (Core Focus)
- Take full ownership of multiple development projects, managing the entire lifecycle from feasibility through to delivery and completion
- Act as a hands-on Development Director, actively involved in design development, construction detailing, and on-site decision-making
- Lead and drive project teams including architects, consultants, and contractors to ensure delivery against programme, budget, and quality benchmarks
- Maintain a strong on-site presence, carrying out regular inspections and ensuring works are executed to the highest standards
- Proactively identify and resolve design and construction challenges with a practical, solutions-driven mindset
- Oversee procurement strategies and contractor appointments, ensuring alignment with project objectives and estate standards
- Administer and manage contracts (JCT experience advantageous), maintaining tight commercial and programme control
Construction & Technical Leadership
- Bring a strong understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing, and buildability
- Interrogate technical drawings, specifications, and contractor proposals to ensure quality and value
- Champion best practice in construction delivery, with particular sensitivity to heritage buildings and rural environments
- Ensure exceptional standards of finish, detailing, and craftsmanship across all developments
Estate Development Strategy
- Work with the Estate Director to shape and implement a long-term, value-driven development strategy
- Identify development opportunities across the estate, balancing commercial return with long-term stewardship
- Contribute practical, delivery-informed insight into planning, design, and feasibility decisions
Stakeholder & Team Leadership
- Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams with clarity and authority
- Build strong working relationships with contractors, consultants, and estate stakeholders
- Foster a collaborative but performance-driven culture, challenging underperformance where necessary
- Act as a key representative of the estate in all development matters
Financial & Commercial Management
- Take ownership of development budgets, ensuring rigorous cost control and value engineering
- Review and challenge contractor and consultant proposals to achieve optimal commercial outcomes
- Monitor financial performance across projects, reporting clearly and accurately to the Estate Director
Reporting & Governance
- Provide clear, concise reporting on project progress, risks, and financials
- Support decision-making with well-reasoned, experience-led recommendations
- Ensure robust governance and continuous improvement across all development activity
About You
You will be a dynamic, hands-on Property Development Director with a strong construction background and a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects.
You are likely to come from a high-end contractor, developer, or specialist construction background, with a deep understanding of how projects are actually built — not just managed.
You will bring:
- 8–12+ years’ experience in property development, construction, or project delivery
- A strong track record of delivering complex, high-quality construction projects from inception to completion
- A hands-on approach, with the confidence and credibility to engage directly with contractors and trades on site
- Excellent technical understanding of construction, detailing, and buildability
- Experience working on heritage, rural, or high-spec residential/commercial projects (highly advantageous)
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to manage budgets and drive value
- Professional qualifications (e.g. RICS, CIOB, or similar) beneficial but secondary to practical delivery experience
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to take ownership and make decisions
- Strong leadership presence, with the ability to command respect and drive performance across teams
- Discretion, professionalism, and the ability to operate effectively within a private estate environment