The role of a Development Manager at Savills is one of leadership, strategic insight, and market expertise. Savills, a global real estate powerhouse, is known for managing high-profile property developments across commercial, residential, and mixed-use sectors. The Development Manager plays a pivotal role in driving these projects from concept to completion — balancing investor interests, planning regulations, and design innovation to deliver real value.
According to recent salary data, a Development Manager at Savills in the UK can expect to earn between £55,000 to £85,000 annually, with potential bonuses based on performance and project success. With such a high-stakes and rewarding position, it’s no surprise that the interview process is both rigorous and competitive. Below, we explore 20 key interview questions, complete with strategic, high-impact sample answers to help you stand out from the competition.
1. Tell us about your experience in property development.
Focus on specific projects you’ve led or supported. Highlight the scale, budget, and impact.
Sample Answer:
I’ve worked in property development for over 7 years, managing mixed-use and residential projects ranging from £10m to £80m. One of my most notable projects was the regeneration of a brownfield site into 250 residential units in East London. I oversaw land acquisition, stakeholder engagement, and the planning application process, delivering on time and under budget.
2. Why do you want to work for Savills?
Show your knowledge of the company’s values, reputation, and global reach.
Sample Answer:
Savills’ reputation for innovation and integrity in real estate development really resonates with me. I admire the firm’s focus on sustainable growth and its integrated approach to development management, which aligns perfectly with my values and professional experience.
3. How do you manage risk in a development project?
Demonstrate your strategic and analytical thinking.
Sample Answer:
I apply a proactive risk management framework from the feasibility stage through to completion. This includes regular SWOT analyses, contingency planning, stakeholder workshops, and maintaining strong communication with legal and planning teams to mitigate delays or cost overruns.
4. Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult stakeholder.
Employ the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Sample Answer:
During a mixed-use redevelopment, a local councillor was opposed due to concerns about community impact. I initiated open forums, presented environmental and economic impact data, and collaborated with planners to adjust the proposal. The outcome was a mutually acceptable plan that passed committee approval.
5. What are the key phases of the development lifecycle?
Be precise and process-driven.
Sample Answer:
The development lifecycle typically includes site acquisition, feasibility studies, planning & approvals, design, financing, construction, marketing, and post-completion asset management. Each phase requires collaboration across legal, commercial, and technical teams.
6. How do you ensure profitability on a development project?
Focus on cost control and value engineering.
Sample Answer:
By constantly reviewing project budgets, seeking early contractor involvement, and leveraging design efficiency, I ensure we achieve a high GDV-to-cost ratio. I also engage with agents early to align the scheme with market demand, maximizing yield.
7. What planning issues have you encountered in the past, and how did you resolve them?
Reflect knowledge of UK planning frameworks and negotiation skills.
Sample Answer:
On a city centre scheme, a planning objection delayed approval due to heritage concerns. I coordinated with conservation officers, revised the façade design, and submitted a successful planning amendment without delaying the overall timeline.
8. How do you stay updated with industry regulations and trends?
Name relevant sources.
Sample Answer:
I subscribe to the RICS Journal, attend Property Week conferences, and follow changes in planning policy through MHCLG updates and the London Plan. I also participate in CPD events and Savills-led webinars when available.
9. Tell me about a project that didn’t go as planned. What did you learn?
Demonstrate resilience and a learning mindset.
Sample Answer:
A JV partner on a residential build pulled out due to shifting priorities. I quickly sourced alternative funding through a PE firm, though the project’s timeline slipped by 2 months. I learned the importance of robust risk-sharing clauses and having a Plan B in place.
10. What’s your experience with financial modeling and appraisals?
Be detailed.
Sample Answer:
I use Argus Developer and Excel-based residual appraisals to evaluate site potential, IRR, and development margin. I also work closely with finance teams to stress-test scenarios based on construction cost inflation and sales fluctuations.
11. How do you balance speed and quality in development?
Show strategic prioritization.
Sample Answer:
I believe in early-stage design freeze and locking in contractor procurement strategies to reduce on-site variations. A well-planned project with clear milestones allows us to deliver at speed without compromising quality.
12. What are your views on sustainable development?
Align with ESG goals.
Sample Answer:
Sustainability is fundamental. I advocate for BREEAM “Excellent” ratings where possible and implement sustainable urban drainage systems, energy-efficient building materials, and community green spaces to future-proof assets and align with ESG targets.
13. How do you manage multidisciplinary teams?
Display leadership and coordination.
Sample Answer:
I lead regular cross-team reviews and maintain clear scopes of responsibility using RACI matrices. My leadership style is inclusive, allowing technical experts to contribute freely while ensuring alignment with commercial goals.
14. What kind of developments most interest you?
Tie your answer to Savills’ pipeline.
Sample Answer:
I’m particularly excited by urban regeneration and large-scale masterplans. Savills’ work on mixed-use city centres aligns perfectly with my interest in transforming underutilised spaces into vibrant, sustainable communities.
15. How do you prepare a site for development?
Mention due diligence.
Sample Answer:
I conduct comprehensive due diligence, including site surveys, legal/title checks, contamination assessments, and planning assessments. I also model costs and revenues to ensure financial viability before proceeding.
16. How do you work with planning consultants and local authorities?
Be collaborative.
Sample Answer:
I treat them as key partners. Early engagement is critical. I brief them thoroughly and maintain open communication to navigate applications efficiently and keep projects on track.
17. What software tools do you use?
Mention specifics.
Sample Answer:
I use MS Project for scheduling, Argus Developer for appraisals, AutoCAD/Revit for reviewing plans, and Salesforce/CRM systems to manage stakeholder communication.
18. How do you manage tight deadlines across multiple developments?
Prove your organizational skills.
Sample Answer:
I prioritize by risk level and delivery stage. I use project dashboards to monitor progress and identify bottlenecks, and I delegate effectively while maintaining oversight through weekly check-ins.
19. What are the key success metrics for a development project?
Include commercial and social outcomes.
Sample Answer:
Key metrics include profit margin, ROI, planning success rate, sales/leasing velocity, and stakeholder satisfaction. Increasingly, ESG impact is also a critical success indicator.
20. Do you have any questions for us?
Always ask thoughtful questions.
Sample Answer:
Yes—how does Savills support career development for Development Managers? Can you share more about current flagship projects and how this role fits into their delivery?
Final Thoughts: Interview Tips and Encouragement
Preparing for a Development Manager interview at Savills isn’t just about memorizing answers—it’s about presenting yourself as a solution-oriented leader with commercial instinct and collaborative energy. Study Savills’ values and portfolio. Use the STAR method. Prepare questions. Dress professionally—even for virtual interviews. And most importantly, be yourself with confidence. The role is as much about strategic mindset as it is about personality and leadership fit.
Remember: preparation breeds confidence. You’ve got this.
