Senior Development Manager

Splendid Hospitality Group is one of the UKs fastest growing privately-owned hotel groups. As a family run business, people are at the very heart of its success, a place where everyone becomes parts of the Splendid family. Our vision is to create extraordinary experiences, positively impact lives, and get better every day - it’s the ‘Splendid Hospitality Way’ which is our way of looking after everybody to help them succeed, have fun and keep guests and our Splendid team members happy.

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Senior Development Manager to join our dynamic team at Splendid Hospitality Group.

In this pivotal role, you will help shape and deliver the Group’s ambitious development pipeline across the UK. Working closely with the senior leadership team and in collaboration with our in-house construction team, you’ll lead on the front-end of the development lifecycle—turning vision into viable projects.

Your responsibilities will include undertaking feasibility assessments, conducting market research, leading pre-application engagement, and managing planning applications. You'll ensure that each opportunity is carefully evaluated, well-positioned, and ready for successful delivery.

We’re seeking someone with a strong blend of strategic insight, analytical ability, and stakeholder management experience—a confident self-starter with a passion for unlocking value through thoughtful development.

What We Offer

• Learning and Development Opportunities available through our Leadership Development Programme.
• Career progression
• Heavily discounted hotel stays and food & beverage discounts.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial Aid
• Virtual GP access
• Will preparation assistance
• Funeral Concierge services
• Discounted cinema tickets & restaurants
• 25-day holidays plus UK bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Wagestream – Stream up to 50% pay as it is earned and set automatic savings to support your financial wellbeing

About Us

Splendid Hospitality is one of the UK’s most successful and fastest-growing hospitality groups. Our diverse and dynamic portfolio spans hotels, restaurants, and care homes across the country—from London to Edinburgh, Bristol to York.

We are proud to own and operate a collection of well-known brands and distinctive properties, including:

• The award-winning 5-star Hilton London Bankside
• The luxurious Grand Hotel in York
• The UK’s first Four Points Flex by Sheraton (Marriott), newly developed in London Euston
• Nine IHG hotels, including Holiday Inn Brentford Lock and boutique Hotel Indigos in Edinburgh and York
• Six Accor properties across the UK

Beyond hotels, we also operate 38 KFC restaurants across the Midlands and North East, and three care homes in Sussex—demonstrating our unique breadth across the hospitality and care sectors.

Driven by entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for service, we continue to grow and evolve, creating exceptional experiences for our guests, teams, and partners.

Role in our Family

The Role:

• Conduct detailed feasibility studies to assess the commercial viability and development potential of proposed sites.
• Perform in-depth market research to inform investment decisions and positioning strategies.
• Lead pre-application discussions with local authorities and relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare and manage planning applications, coordinating consultants and ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Assist with site identification and early-stage site due diligence.
• Support internal investment papers and presentation materials for leadership and board approval.
• Liaise with external advisors including planning consultants, architects, and legal teams.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Construction Manager to ensure a seamless handover from pre-development to delivery.

About you:

• Proven experience in property development, ideally in the hospitality, mixed-use, or commercial sectors.
• Strong understanding of UK planning processes and local authority engagement.
• Demonstrable expertise in feasibility analysis and market research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Proactive, self-starter with a commercial mindset.
• Collaborative and confident engaging with internal and external stakeholders.
• Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused.
• Passionate about hospitality, development, and creating long-term value.

What Happens Next

Does this role sound like a great fit for you?

Apply now – it only takes a few seconds.
Just share your contact details and upload your CV. From there, we’ll review your application and, if shortlisted, invite you to meet with a member of the team. It’s a chance for us to get to know you better, learn more about your experience, and give you insight into life at Splendid.

The Splendid Group is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.