Head of Development Cost Management (London)

Kingsley is partnering with a market-leading, international real estate and project delivery business to appoint a Head of Development Cost Management for London.

This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who wants to shape a best-in-class development cost management proposition in the capital, building capability, driving growth, and leading delivery across commercial development including new build, deep retrofit and asset repositioning. You’ll operate at the heart of the London development community, working with senior stakeholders and investor/developer clients to maximise value, manage risk, and deliver highly sustainable outcomes.

The opportunity

You’ll take full responsibility for London’s Development Cost Management service line — owning the people agenda, financial performance, client growth strategy, and market profile. Reporting into UK&I leadership, this role combines entrepreneurial work-winning with operational excellence and a mandate to modernise delivery (including the use of technology and AI).

What you’ll be responsible for

Leadership & strategy

• Set the direction and business plan for Development Cost Management in London, and lead delivery against it
• Act as the visible figurehead internally and externally, championing the team, the brand and the proposition
• Collaborate with leaders across adjacent service lines to broaden client reach and deepen relationships

Financial ownership

• Full P&L responsibility: budget, profitability, productivity, billing and cash collection
• Build a high-performing platform that scales sustainably with growth

Growth & work-winning

• Create and execute a clear growth strategy across London’s commercial development market
• Originate and convert opportunities with developers, investors, funds and institutional clients
• Lead key pursuits/must-wins, supported by a high-quality pursuits function

Client delivery & mobilisation

• Where required, lead major project delivery and set the standard for quality and innovation
• Establish and mobilise cost management services for new clients quickly and consistently, with strong processes and integration

People & culture

• Build an inclusive, ambitious “one team” culture with pride and momentum
• Plan resourcing across all levels, identify capability gaps and attract top talent into the business

What we’re looking for

This role suits a senior cost management leader who is both commercially sharp and highly credible in the London market.

You will likely bring:

• A strong track record leading and growing cost management teams (and building a true team dynamic)
• Recognition in London as a leader in cost management within commercial development
• A proven network and relationships across developers, investors, funds and institutions
• Demonstrable success originating, winning and mobilising services for new clients/projects
• Strong financial acumen and comfort owning performance metrics
• Gravitas with clients: confident presenting, advising and influencing at senior level
• The agility to operate in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment

Package

• c£130,000–£160,000 base salary
• Generous benefits package (details shared during the process)

Interested?

To keep the search confidential, Kingsley is managing initial conversations and screening. If you’d like to explore it discreetly, message me directly or apply via LinkedIn and we’ll be in touch for a confidential discussion.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV to caroline@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please call Caroline Kingsley on 07768 381 831, or schedule a time via Calendly.