Head of Development Finance

Reed Talent Solutions are recruiting for a leading housing organisation for a Head of Development Finance on a permanent basis.

Based in Manchester, this is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced development finance professional to play a key role in shaping major investment and development opportunities across the organisation’s Central & North region.

You will work closely with executive leaders, investment committees and development teams, acting as the finance lead on complex schemes, joint ventures, strategic partnerships and regeneration projects.

The role offers the opportunity to influence significant investment decisions, providing strategic financial insight and commercial challenge on high-profile development opportunities from initial appraisal through to delivery.

Ideally, you will have experience within the housing, property development, infrastructure or wider real estate sector, with a strong track record of supporting complex investment transactions and business growth.

This role offered on a hybrid working basis with 3 days in the office required per week. The successful candidate will receive a £5000 car allowance as there will be occasional regional travel requirements.

Role Aim

You will be responsible for leading the financial assessment and commercial evaluation of major development and investment opportunities, ensuring robust decision making and effective risk management across the development portfolio.

You will provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior stakeholders, Boards and Investment Committees, supporting the organisation’s long-term growth ambitions and investment strategy.

As a member of the Development Finance & Analysis senior leadership team, you will help ensure strong financial governance across development programmes while driving continuous improvement in financial modelling, appraisal and investment processes.

You will also lead and develop a dedicated Development Finance Analyst, creating a strong regional finance presence to support the wider development function.

Job Requirements

You will be a commercially focused finance leader with significant experience in development, property or investment finance, capable of operating effectively at senior management level.

You will lead the financial appraisal of major development opportunities, including joint ventures, strategic partnerships, regeneration projects and other growth initiatives, ensuring investments are commercially viable and aligned with organisational objectives.

You will provide robust financial modelling, scenario analysis and risk assessment, presenting clear recommendations and mitigation strategies to support investment decision making.

You will build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including advisors, investors, legal teams and development professionals, acting as a trusted financial advisor throughout the transaction lifecycle.

You will support negotiations and transaction execution, ensuring commercial opportunities are maximised while maintaining effective governance and financial control.

Essential Skills (Professional and Technical)

• CCAB qualified accountant or equivalent professional qualification
• Significant experience within property, development or investment finance
• Proven track record of supporting and leading complex investment transactions and commercial negotiations
• Strong financial modelling, appraisal and business case development expertise
• Experience undertaking detailed risk assessment, sensitivity analysis and scenario modelling
• Strong understanding of property development, regeneration and investment funding structures
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior executives, boards and external partners
• Ability to interpret and challenge complex commercial and financial proposals
• Experience managing and developing finance professionals and building high-performing teams
• Excellent communication, presentation and influencing skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear strategic recommendations

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