Development Manager

Fixed Term contract for 12 Months

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Shape the future of Gateshead. Lead high-profile regeneration and capital projects that create lasting economic and community impact.

The Major Projects Team sits within the Economy, Innovation and Growth Group and leads the delivery of significant capital investment, regeneration and development initiatives across Gateshead. Working with a wide range of public and private sector partners, the team is responsible for shaping and delivering projects that support economic growth, housing development and improvements to local communities. The team manages projects from initial business case and funding applications through to delivery and completion, ensuring that investment achieves lasting benefits for residents, businesses and stakeholders.

Deliver projects that make a difference. Manage ambitious development and regeneration programmes from concept through to completion.

What you will get to do:

• Lead and manage multiple capital projects and regeneration initiatives through the full project lifecycle, from initial concept and business case development through to successful completion.
• Take responsibility for delivering projects within agreed time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefit tolerances.
• Produce and maintain key project management documentation, including business plans, cabinet reports, funding applications, reports and project records.
• Establish and oversee project governance arrangements, risk management processes, communications plans, issue management and change control procedures.
• Manage project budgets, monitoring arrangements and performance reporting to ensure effective financial control.
• Build strong relationships with public and private sector stakeholders, external partners, suppliers and community organisations.
• Act as a professional and visible representative of the Council in meetings, consultations, partnership forums and stakeholder events.
• Lead, motivate and coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams to achieve agreed objectives.
• Work collaboratively with programme and corporate management colleagues to ensure alignment across projects and avoid duplication of activity.
• Support the delivery of economic growth, housing development and regeneration priorities across the borough
• Drive growth. Create places. Build partnerships. Join a team delivering transformative projects across Gateshead.

What you will bring:

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience of successfully managing complex capital projects and multi-disciplinary teams, delivering against time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefit objectives.
• Strong knowledge of project management frameworks, project governance, budget management, risk management and project controls.
• Understanding of government policy, economic growth, housing development and the role of public and private sector partners in delivering regeneration projects.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships across senior leadership, elected members, partner organisations and communities.
• Experience of partnership working, securing external funding and delivering projects collaboratively across multiple organisations.
• A proactive and self-motivated approach, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and drive projects through to successful completion.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.