About The Land Development Agency

The Land Development Agency (LDA) is a key Government Commercial Semi-State Body that delivers affordable and social housing on State and other lands. It is overseen by an independent board of directors and is funded with €5 billion of equity capital committed by the Government. It is also permitted to borrow up to €1.25bn.

The LDA has commenced construction on various state sourced lands and is currently working on 25 plus direct delivery projects that can deliver over 15,000 homes. It is also delivering affordable housing by working with the private sector on an initiative called ‘Project Tosaigh’, which will yield a further 8,000 homes on land provided by housebuilders.

Additionally, the LDA is working on large-scale longer-term strategic areas by master-planning and bringing forward planning applications in locations such as Limerick Colbert Quarter, the Cork Docklands and Sandy Road in Galway.

The LDA is underpinned by a positive, collegiate, ‘can do’ culture based on our core values of Integrity, Results, Collaboration, Sustainability and Innovation. Our team is around 200 people and growing rapidly.

The Role

The Senior Development Manager role will offer the right candidates an exciting opportunity to lead and drive the delivery of large-scale transformative residential development projects. The ideal candidate will be solutions orientated and results-focused with a breath of knowledge and experience across the development lifecycle and a demonstrable track record of successfully delivering projects. They will have the ability to think strategically, be commercially astute and have a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and building relationships with diverse ranges of stakeholders. The successful candidate will have direct people management responsibilities, leading a Development Team Pod of Development Managers and Assistant Development Managers.

Reporting to the Development Lead, the Senior Development Manager will be responsible for managing a number of development projects across all stages of the development life cycle from early concept, acquisition, planning, design, procurement through to delivery and handover. The role will have a particular focus on the development lifecycle from inception through to commencement of construction on-site.

Getting hands on experience on some of the largest residential developments in the country will provide the successful candidates with the opportunity to further progress their career in the professional development sector. The LDA are committed to encouraging and supporting career development and progression and offer wide ranging CPD.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and drive the delivery of assigned development projects across the development lifecycle ensuring the delivery of agreed objectives.
Oversee assigned development projects commercial viability and ensure schemes advanced are aligned with LDA development brief and objectives.
Provide a clear leadership voice and direction to cross-functional internal and multidisciplinary external teams.
Undertake initial site feasibility studies, identifying development opportunities and constraints.
Develop and implement development strategies; lead optioneering analysis and the recommendation of optimum delivery approach.
Manage the internal governance approval processes, including preparation of Investment Committee and Board papers and monthly reporting.
Collaborate and build relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders across diverse functions, including managing and resolving competing interests.
Prepare development briefs including project scope and deliverables, programme, budget and design team scopes of services.
Manage the procurement and appointment of design teams, other professional service providers, main contractors and development partners.
Oversee effective administration and management of all project documentation and governance including, risk management, monthly reports, programmes, development budgets and cashflows, contracts administration, project registers and trackers.
Manage and mentor a core team of direct reports, lead by example.
Contribute to wider business development and strategic initiatives.
Maintain the LDA’s Core values at all times.

Person Specifications / Requirements

At least 10 years’ experience in the various stages of the property development sector.
Hold a recognised degree level qualification in construction / development sector.
Experience of taking developments through initial feasibility, planning, design, tendering and pre-construction.
Proactive management style, solutions oriented and results focused.
Ability to lead and mentor a team.
Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to build strong working relationships and work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with good attention to detail and ability to think strategically and use sound judgement.
Technical knowledge – broad understanding of technical disciplines / promote sustainable climate resilient development / strong knowledge of planning system / understanding of construction buildability / informed challenging of technical solutions.
Commercial acumen – strong understanding of viability and cost drivers / ability to drive optioneering and commercial analysis / to draw insights from cost plans & investment appraisals / oversee budgets & cashflows.
Experience of public procurement is an advantage.
Have a commitment to developing new skills and embracing new challenges.

To Apply

Closing date for applications is 3rd September 2025

The Land Development Agency (LDA) is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promote and support a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations where requested.

Senior Development Manager

Job Description