Property Development Director

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role shaping some of the Virgin Group’s most ambitious property and development projects around the world. You’ll take full ownership of complex construction and development programmes, from hotel developments and one-off, design-led buildings to projects in remote locations such as islands and safari destinations, working closely with principal stakeholders to turn bold ideas into exceptional places.

Our Virgin Family

Join the Virgin Group – a diverse collective driving change, enhancing customer experience, and having a blast. We're daring, disrupting industries from finance to space, united as part of the Virgin Family.

Virgin Management, the heart of Virgin, nurtures the brand globally. Our diverse, 180-strong team in London and New York, supports every facet of the Virgin family, including Virgin Unite, our entrepreneurial foundation, and Virgin Start-Up, empowering UK entrepreneurs. Working in synergy with various Virgin entities globally, our interests are as diverse as travel, health, music, media, finance, and space. Our unique work culture and commitments to purpose & sustainability unite us.

We’re a huge brand, but not a huge team, which means we take a hands-on approach while thinking strategically. Everyone rolls up their sleeves to get things done, making it an exciting and collaborative place to work.

Tell me more

• Lead the delivery of highly diverse construction and development projects from early feasibility and site mobilisation through to completion, including luxury hotel developments, as well as one-off, design-led buildings and complex projects in remote locations such as islands and safari destinations, with current projects underway in Africa.
• Act as a trusted adviser on capex and construction-related matters, bringing clarity from early feasibility through design, procurement and delivery
• Oversee refurbishment, redevelopment and new-build programmes, ensuring alignment brand standards, long-term asset value creation and sustainability objectives
• Work closely with principal stakeholders, including senior business leaders and high-profile individuals, translating complex technical detail into clear, confident decisions
• Recruit, lead and mentor construction and project teams across multiple projects and geographies
• Shape and oversee procurement strategies, contract negotiations and contractor performance across varied delivery models
• Take full accountability for budgets, programmes, quality and risk management across the entire project lifecycle
• Ensure compliance with planning, building regulations, fire safety, accessibility and sustainability frameworks
• Act as an owner-representative, working closely with senior executives, investors, design teams and operators to translate complex technical matters into clear, actionable decisions.

What you’ll need

• Senior-level experience delivering ground-up luxury hotel developments, alongside a broader portfolio of complex construction projects, including unique, design-led or remote-location builds
• Deep technical knowledge across luxury design, construction and cost management, with the ability to operate confidently at both strategic level and deep in the detail
• Proven ability to translate complex technical information for senior leaders, while also rolling up your sleeves and engaging in the practical realities of delivery
• Experience working directly with principal business leaders, investors or high-net-worth individuals, building trusted relationships through clear judgement and consistent delivery
• A hands-on, adaptable leadership style, with strong organisation, decision-making and commercial awareness
• Experience working in Africa, Caribbean or similarly complex, remote or emerging markets would be beneficial, with an appreciation of local delivery challenges, logistics and stakeholder dynamics

The extra details

Role type: Permanent
Location: London hub & your home space. You will be required to travel as part of the role.
Salary: £competitive plus bonus - We'll offer a salary that matches your skills, always aiming for room to grow.
Working hours: Full time - We embrace flexible working. Let us know what hours empower you to be at your best both professionally and personally, we’ll try to find a perfect match for you and us.
Benefits: Buckle up for an adventure with Virgin! Our benefits package isn't just a list – it's your ticket to an extraordinary career and life. Think unlimited leave for your globe-trotting dreams, a “Screw it, let’s do it” pot to enjoy being you, and a learning budget to fuel your curiosity. We’ve got your back with top-notch health care, family support that goes the extra mile, a generous pension with up to 10% employer contribution, life insurance, and the option to go electric through our EV scheme. From flexible volunteering to investing in your future, we’re not just offering a job – we’re inviting you to join a community that celebrates your whole self.
Closing date: 30 January 2026

Some of the attributes that define a Virgin person just can’t be quantified in words. We pride ourselves on welcoming people from all walks of life, with all sorts of skill sets. Most recently, we successfully campaigned to add ‘Dyslexic Thinking’ as a skill on LinkedIn. We truly value passion for Purpose and Sustainability, welcoming creative thinkers and innovators. Any uniqueness is a strength and will be considered an asset to our workforce. If there is something you would like us to consider, to tailor the hiring process to the way you work best, please don’t hesitate to let us know. 

For this role we will need to do a few extra essential checks such as DBS screening or qualification verification. We'll always be upfront about what's needed, get your okay first, handling everything sensitively and fairly while keeping your data secure. We are a Fair Chance employer and our people are our secret sauce so, we will always be open to listen to individual circumstances.

Ready to turn your career into the ultimate adventure? Virgin's got the map, the compass, and the crew. Your great adventure awaits!