Building Project Development Manager

• 105 Barking Rd, London E16 4HQ, UK
• Full-time
• Department: Facilities (CL)
• Pay zone: Community Links payscale
• Contractual type: Full time - fixed term

Company Description

Community Links is a social action charity, rooted in east London.  Our vision is Ready for Everything Communities. Our mission is to support people in coming together, overcoming barriers, building purpose and making the most of the place they live in. From our base in east London, we apply the learning from our local work to influence and achieve positive national change. 

Our team delivers a diverse range of projects for 5000 people every year drawing on 40 years of experience working with children, young people and adults.

Job Description

We are looking for a Building Project Development Manager on a 12-month fixed term contract, to help us assess our current estate.

The Public Hall, 105 Barking Road, is Community Links Head Office and a significant asset for the organisation. It is a Grade II Listed Building owned by the London Borough of Newham (LBN) and leased to Community Links on a peppercorn lease for another 100 years with no break clauses and the power to assign.  The only restriction is that 75% of the building must be for community use, and we would need Newham Council’s permission to alter this. 

We are seeking to undertake a redevelopment of 105 Barking Road which will generate an income stream for the organisation whilst meeting the future needs and aspirations of the residents of Canning Town and the wider community. 

We are considering whether it would be possible to include in this development the neighbouring Canning Town Library which will become empty during 2016 when library services are transferred into a new community centre.  

We are seeking a creative, ambitious and highly skilled Project Development Manager who can help Community Links and partners to agree a vision for the site, and work up project plans, a business case and develop partnerships that will enable us to deliver.

Purpose of role

1. Drive upscale of rental space by local people (buildings and weddings), local groups, charities and enterprises within existing layout of 105 Barking Road
2. Develop plans, a business case and financial projections for the redevelopment of 105 Barking Road including caretaker’s house, morgue and outdoor areas
3. Develop a plan that could be submitted to the London Borough of Newham including development of the adjacent abandoned library

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Immediate upscale of rental within 105 Barking Road 

• Oversee marketing of all existing space available 

Scoping options for redevelopment of 105 Barking Road and options for wider development incorporating adjacent library building:

• Environmental scan of area and what would add value to the community
• Explore possibilities around delivery of health services and other options for the buildings
• Learn from other developments and take advice from Locality and Landaid on similar buildings
• Draw together evidence from community and stakeholder consultations and engagement
•  Involve London Borough of Newham planners and seek information on what is possible including what changes can be made
•  Select for all commercial and social uses that have a clear link with Community Links’ core principles

Develop project plans and business case to underpin capital development:

• Draw in architectural and other expert assistance – pro-bono wherever possible, otherwise commercially
• Draft development options with business plans, investment raising ideas – including the full potential from social investment, and financial return projections
• Advise Community Links Trustee Board on development options and final selection from these
• Finalise business plan and financial projects for selected option
• Secure planning permission
• Oversee Investment Manager seeking social and other investment
•  Appoint Design team
• Appoint Building partner

Please note this is a summary of expected key tasks.

Qualifications

Essential Experience:

•  At least 5 years’ experience in project management, particularly in construction and/or building projects
• Demonstrable experience of writing strong business plans and developing financial projections, leading to investment or funding
• Experience of partnership building and working with a range of organisations, professionals and consultations with local communities
• Relevant professional qualifications

Desirable Experience:

• Experience of local planning processes
• Experience of leading a similar project for another charity or not for profit organisation

Essential Skills:

• Financial and business skills, highly numerate with strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Ability to make decisions based on a strong business and social case
• Ability to build relationships with a range of people at all levels
• Ability to marshal resources of people and organisations, and strong negotiation skills
• Excellent initiative and creativity; able to think proactively and innovate to come to new solutions
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Organised, flexible and able to prioritise work load
• Excellent project management skills
• Able to work to strict timescales
• An interest in social change and the work of Community Links

Desirable Skills:

• Awareness of Newham and our context

Additional Information

• Salary: Circa £35k-40k
• Contract: Fixed term for 12 months
• Reports to: Chief Executive    
• Liaising with: Key Trustees and Staff Members, external partners and advisors 
• Hours:  Full time (35 hours per week)