Lead commercial and retail developments that define high streets, town centres, and business districts — where strategic thinking meets built reality.

Who We Are
Architecture Social is a specialist recruitment consultancy connecting development managers with commercial developers, retail-led regeneration specialists, and mixed-use investment firms across the UK. We work with organisations delivering office buildings, retail schemes, leisure destinations, and urban regeneration programmes. Our active relationships with these clients mean we consistently hear about Development Manager opportunities before they reach the wider market.

What our clients typically ask for
— Demonstrable experience managing commercial or retail development projects from inception through to practical completion and handover
— Strong understanding of commercial leasing, tenant fit-out coordination, and pre-let strategies
— Expertise in managing development appraisals, cost plans, and procurement processes for complex commercial schemes
— Ability to navigate planning processes for town centre, high street, or business district developments
— Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary consultant teams and managing contractor relationships
— Knowledge of BREEAM, EPC targets, and net-zero strategies as they apply to commercial developments
— Strong stakeholder engagement skills spanning investors, local authorities, anchor tenants, and end users

If your development management expertise transforms commercial visions into thriving, occupied buildings, we want to hear from you.

Why Register With Architecture Social
Commercial and retail development is evolving rapidly, with sustainability, placemaking, and mixed-use thinking reshaping the sector. By registering with us, you gain priority access to Development Manager roles at organisations leading this transformation. We understand the commercial development landscape and take time to match your project track record and ambitions with clients who will value your expertise. Every conversation is confidential, and we will only present opportunities that genuinely fit.

How to Apply
Apply to one of our live Development Manager listings, or submit a speculative application and let us know your sector focus. We will keep you at the top of our shortlist and contact you the moment the right opportunity emerges — so you always have the inside track.