Lead Property Development Manager

We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year. It’s a story we’re proud of, but it doesn’t end there — we’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

Role Details

• Role: Lead Property Development Manager
• Location: Cardiff, Ipswich or Garston
• Closing Date: 29th September 2025

About The Role

Are you ready to shape the future of strategic land development? ABP is seeking a dynamic and driven Lead Property Development Manager to play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of our property portfolio. If you’re passionate about development, thrive on technical challenges, and want to make a real impact, we want to hear from you!

As Lead Property Development Manager, you’ll be at the heart of ABP’s land development strategy. You’ll identify and appraise new sites, drive projects from feasibility through to delivery, and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to maximise value and ensure successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion a culture of Health & Safety, leading by example and embedding ABP’s Beyond Zero ambitions.
• Collaborate with property and wider ABP teams to optimise our portfolio and act as the go-to expert in your field.
• Lead teams and third-party contractors, fostering continuous improvement and high performance.
• Source and appraise new development opportunities, supporting due diligence and technical assessments.
• Work with planning teams to promote and protect sites and manage planning matters.
• Prepare viability appraisals, financial feasibility studies, and technical due diligence for new developments.
• Support marketing activities and work alongside project teams to ensure developments meet market expectations.
• Act as the internal client throughout the development and delivery phases, from land acquisition to completion.

• Professional Qualifications: MRICS, MRTPI or equivalent.
• Experience: Proven track record managing end-to-end development processes, with strong technical expertise.
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of UK planning processes, laws, and environmental/sustainability best practice.
• Other: Full UK driving licence required.

Additional Information

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance, and a range of other benefits.

Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.

As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please note your consent will be required and further information on this check can be found here: National Security Vetting Clearance Levels .