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 Development Lead role is a diverse role that will offer the right candidate an exciting opportunity to lead and drive the delivery of a wide range of transformative residential and regeneration development opportunities across the country. The ideal candidate will be solutions orientated and results-focused with a wide breath of knowledge and experience across the full development lifecycle and a demonstrable track record of delivering developments of scale. 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 and will have a proven ability to lead and inspire professionals at all stages of their career.

Reporting to the Head of Property, the Development Lead will be responsible for a portfolio 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, with the construction team then managing on site construction and the Development Lead retaining responsibility for overseeing the development overall.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and drive the delivery of a portfolio of development projects across the full development lifecycle with responsibility for ensuring the delivery of agreed objectives.
Take ownership of each development’s commercial viability and ensure schemes advanced are aligned with LDA development brief and objectives.
Set out proposed development strategies and the supporting rationale and investment case. Play a leading role in securing relevant internal approvals and associated budgets for implementing proposals.
Manage the internal and external governance approval processes, including overseeing preparation of Investment Committee and Board papers and monthly reporting. Support engagement with external governance stakeholders.
Provide a clear leadership voice and direction to cross-functional internal and multidisciplinary external teams. Develop clear and realistic objectives and address performance issues if they arise.
Represent the organisation externally. Be pro-active in the development of key partnerships, working with key stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and efficient delivery.
Collaborate and build relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders across diverse functions, including managing and resolving competing interests. Take account of broader issues, agendas, sensitivities and related implications when making decisions.
Negotiate development agreements, licences and interface agreements with landowners and development partners.
Oversee the procurement and appointment of design teams, other professional service providers, main contractors and development partners. In collaboration with the Legal team, review and sign off on appointments, contracts and development agreements prior to execution.
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.
Proactively oversee each development’s progress versus objectives, take corrective action where necessary based on well-reasoned rationale.
Manage and mentor a team of direct report LDA development professionals, lead by example. Contribute to building the Development team and take an active role in candidate sourcing and the recruitment process.
Build strong working relationships with internal functional leads and teams to ensure effective coordination and achievement of organisational goals.
Proactively contribute to wider business development and strategic initiatives, challenge the status quo, identify areas for improvement and bring forward initiatives that will improve ways of working and benefit the wider organisation.
Maintain the LDA’s Core values at all times.

Person Specifications / Requirements

At least 15 years’ experience in the various stages of the property development sector.
Hold a recognised degree level qualification in construction / development sector. Post graduate qualifications will be an advantage.
Breadth of experience of taking developments through initial feasibility, planning, design, tendering, pre-construction, construction and handover.
Proactive management style, solutions oriented and results focused.
Ability to lead, mentor and empower a team.
Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to foster positive working relationships and work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
Excellent written and spoken communicator – ability to communicate with focus, simplicity and clarity, adapting to audience.
Strong analysis and problem-solving skills with good attention to detail and ability to think strategically and use sound judgement on complex issues.
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 / mitigate cost variations.
Experience of public procurement is an advantage.
Ambition to meet and exceed the highest level of industry standards.

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.

Development Lead

Job Description