Senior Development Officer

Close Date: 15 April 2024

Overall Job Purpose:

Support the Head of Development with and lead on the delivery of a high-quality Development programme for Barcud that ensure the Association provides affordable, sustainable and attractive homes.

Key Responsibilities

Development:

• Lead and manage Development schemes from inception through to practical completion and handover, maintaining a constant awareness of progress, risks and budget.
• Assist in the development and implementation of Barcud s overarching Development Programme, providing strategic input and advice as well as ensuring this programme fulfils the Association s objectives and the needs of the communities in which it operates.
• Develop, follow and be in accordance to Development processes and procedures, particularly in regard to delegated authority and budgetary spends.
• Authorise expenditure in accordance with Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and Delegated Authorities.
• Oversee and lead on the identification of new Development opportunities for Barcud by considering and analysing local housing data, providing Development Officers with associated strategies and approaches.
• Manage the consultation of colleagues across the Association on the design, tenure mix, location of new Development opportunities to be responsible of scheme operation being foundational to the design of Development schemes early on in the process.
• Lead on the financial viability assessments of potential development schemes.
• Ensure that any variations to agreed contract sums are authorised as required, and that the scheme remains within the overall viability parameters. March 2024 (SH)
• Proactively work with funding bodies to acquire grant and other financial monies for Barcud s Development schemes, working with Finance staff when needed.
• Monitor the risk of live Development schemes, escalating issues when appropriate and being responsible for the risk management of schemes
• Report on Development schemes, including reporting for Development milestones, maintaining high-quality, robust records on schemes.
• Ensure all necessary approvals for new development schemes are obtained successfully.
• Be responsible for all homes built by Barcud being built to the high-quality standards of the Association.
• Be responsible for all certification for new homes being correctly commissioned, processed and stored, utilising external organisations when required.
• Oversee the completion of scheme out-turn reports, ensuring they include an identification of any learning points.
• Work with the Procurement Officer to procure external services for Barcud s Development schemes, seeking to find high-quality services that always represent excellent Value for Money.
• Work closely with consultants and monitor their performance, reporting issues to senior staff as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain close and proactive relationships with external stakeholders, including local authorities, developers and landowners, that can be utilised successfully in Development schemes.
• Deputise for the Head of Development when required.

This person specification details the experience and skills for the position of Senior Development Officer at Barcud. All skills and experience are essential except where explicitly indicated to be desirable (D).

Qualifications

Educated to A level, or equivalent professional experience.

Relevant professional qualification, namely chartered status from a relevant institutional body (e.g. CIH).

HNC in Building Studies, Construction Management or equivalent.

Evidence of continually developing professional knowledge.

Experience

Track record of delivery of Development schemes.

Experience in a leadership role, for example leading Development teams.

Managing a team of staff and carrying out supervisory responsibilities. (D)

Experience of managing team performance. (D)

Project managing Development or construction-related projects.

Developing and implementing Development Strategies. (D)

Advising on the creation of Development Programmes.

Overseeing Development related activities.

Following Development processes and procedures.

Undertaking viability assessments.

Balancing multiple schemes simultaneously.

Monitoring the budget, risk and progression of schemes.

Working with external organisations on matters of grant, construction or certification.

Welsh housing / development experience. (D)

Public sector or Housing Association experience. (D)

Skills / Knowledge

Strong knowledge of the Development process and common issues. March 2024 (SH)

Knowledge of housing and / or construction sectors and challenge, including procurement, funding, planning and contracts.

Awareness of building construction techniques.

Project management skills with an ability to plan, organise and prioritise effectively, in order to achieve targets and meet deadlines.

Ability to lead and manage staff.

Able to produce comprehensive quality reporting for effective decision making.

Willing to learn Welsh to ALTE level 3 within 2 years (if not already a Welsh speaker).

Ability to deliver results to tight deadlines under pressure.

Excellent IT skills.

Sound numerical, reasoning and written communication skills.

Proven competency to handle confidential and sensitive information.

Able to set appropriate and challenging performance targets for own team and self.

Ability to promote equality and diversity in all aspects of employment and service delivery