Associate - Development Advisory

Cobalt is working with a global real estate advisory firm, to appoint an Associate within its London and South East Development Advisory team.

Operating as part of a wider national division, the team advises public and private-sector clients on complex development and regeneration projects. Its work spans residential-led mixed-use schemes, estate regeneration, town-centre redevelopment, strategic land and major urban extensions.

You will join a collaborative team of nine, working alongside experienced Directors and drawing on expertise across planning, economics, compulsory purchase, land assembly and social value.

With ambitions to grow the division, this role offers the chance to contribute to the direction of the business, develop client relationships and take ownership of varied advisory instructions. The structure also provides direct exposure to senior colleagues and opportunities to work across different asset classes.

The Role/Responsibilities

Working closely with the Directors, you will provide commercial and strategic development advice throughout the planning and delivery process, helping clients assess opportunities, understand viability and determine appropriate development strategies.

Your work will range from shorter feasibility and asset optimisation exercises to longer-term regeneration and development-partner procurement assignments. You will manage multiple instructions simultaneously, combining technical appraisal work with written advice and client engagement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing and reviewing development appraisals to assess financial viability, development options and commercial risks.
• Advising on complex regeneration and mixed-use schemes, including commercial input into masterplanning and planning applications.
• Undertaking feasibility studies, options appraisals, market research and asset optimisation assessments.
• Supporting development strategies, partnership structures and delivery options for public and private-sector clients.
• Managing development-partner procurement exercises, including local authority regeneration projects.
• Producing reports, recommendations and presentations that communicate financial analysis and strategic advice.
• Managing several projects concurrently, coordinating internal specialists and maintaining client relationships.
• Contributing to business development, identifying new instructions and supporting the continued growth of the team.

Beyond project delivery, you will have the opportunity to influence how the division develops, working alongside senior colleagues to strengthen its advisory offering and expand its client base.

The Skills Needed/Requirements

We are looking for an Associate with a background in development consultancy or advisory, combining commercial judgement, numerical ability and the confidence to advise clients on complex development matters.

You may already be operating at Associate level or be a Senior Consultant ready to take on greater responsibility. Relevant experience and technical capability are more important than a prescribed number of years post-qualification.

You should bring:

• Experience within development consultancy or advisory, ideally involving large-scale regeneration or residential-led mixed-use schemes.
• Working knowledge of development appraisals, financial viability and commercial development considerations.
• Proficiency in Argus Developer, although candidates with advanced Excel-based appraisal capabilities will also be considered.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret financial information and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Experience preparing advisory reports, feasibility studies or development strategies for clients.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and take responsibility for multiple assignments.
• Confidence communicating with clients, contributing to discussions and working alongside senior stakeholders.
• An interest in business development and building long-term client relationships.

Experience advising local authorities, public-sector organisations or private developers would be particularly relevant. Exposure to development-partner procurement, masterplanning or partnership structuring would also be advantageous.

You do not need to be a Registered Valuer, and our client is open to considering applicants whose experience does not cover every aspect of the team's work.

This is an opportunity to broaden your advisory experience within a growing division, taking on greater responsibility while working across a varied development and regeneration portfolio.

The recruitment process is progressing, with initial candidate conversations already taking place. If you are considering your next move within development consultancy, we would encourage you to apply.

Due to the volume of applications received, if you don't hear back from us, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

If you require any adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process for any reason whatsoever, please let your Cobalt consultant, Adaora, know.