Wokingham is a great place to live and an even better place to do business. We are a forward looking unitary authority delivering an ambitious estate management, property development and investment programme. The Commercial Property Department aims to deliver best value on the Council’s own property assets whilst delivering affordable housing and other key services for our residents.

The Development arm of the Commercial Property team has responsibility for the planning, design and delivery of proposals on the Council’s own land assets, including private and affordable housing, commercial opportunities, service provision and environmental improvements. It also delivers on opportunities for affordable and specialist housing for the Council’s own housing association and housing company. This work is a key of part of the Council’s ambitious housing delivery programme and commercialisation programme to help fund front line service delivery.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Development team to bring forward more development opportunities to the benefit of the Council, its housing companies and its residents. The work will include all aspects of development appraisal and planning, including site appraisals and the preparation of site masterplans, financial appraisals (using SDS Proval software), taking development proposals successfully through the planning application process and then acting as client overseeing the delivery of the proposals on site. The role will also proactively seek to identify new housing opportunities, including affordable housing and establish relationships and partnerships with third parties on new development opportunities. The role will be responsible for managing its own case load as well as liaising with the wider property department, elected members and external consultants.

We welcome applications with experience of the housing development and/or planning sector, with experience in either the private or public sectors. Project management experience is also essential.

Candidates should be able demonstrate expertise and experience in the delivery of development proposals, including affordable housing schemes, and an understanding of the challenges of development work in the public sector. The successful candidate must be a team player, persuasive and articulate with the confidence to hold their own in a challenging commercial and political environment.

Applicants should possess good IT, communication and customer service skills and be willing to work flexibly across a variety of disciplines.

The successful applicant will be working in an ambitious and enthusiastic team, with opportunities for further training and CPD.

Closing date: 11pm, 14 March 2021

Interview date: Week commencing 29 March (subject to change)

For an informal discussion, please contact Sarah Morgan (Head of Development) on 07801 664394 or sarah.morgan@wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.