Assistant Development Manager

Job details

• Posted22 June 2026
• LocationAuckland
• Job type Permanent
• Discipline Commercial Property
• Reference1117481

About Willis Bond

Established in 1988, Willis Bond is one of New Zealand’s leading property development and investment companies, with offices in Auckland and Wellington and projects and property interests across the country. They have built a reputation for delivering high-quality mixed-use developments, transformative urban regeneration projects, and value-add property investments. Their purpose is to create enduring places and communities that generate long-term value – combining a disciplined investment approach with design excellence, sustainability, and innovation. Their success is built on the strength of their people and long-standing relationships across the public and private sectors.

The Opportunity

This is a broad and genuinely varied role for an emerging property professional looking to build a meaningful career in development. Sitting within a close-knit Wellington-based team, the Assistant Development Manager will contribute across the full development lifecycle – from early-stage feasibility and acquisitions support through to active project management and delivery. You’ll be working alongside experienced Development Managers and Directors, getting real exposure to how high-quality, complex projects come together from start to finish.

No two days will look the same. One day you might be pulling together a Deals Report or tracking project invoices against budget; the next you’re attending a site meeting, liaising with consultants on a resource consent matter, or helping assess a new acquisition opportunity. This is a role for someone who is commercially sharp, eager to learn, and happy to put their hand up. The team’s projects span Auckland, Wellington and Tauranga, and travel between cities will be a regular part of the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Development Managers across projects at all stages of the lifecycle, from site investigation and feasibility through to handover
• Assist with the acquisitions process including due diligence, consultant follow-up, and preparing internal reports recommending new investments or opportunities
• Prepare and maintain internal reporting including the Deals Report and other project documentation
• Manage monthly project invoices and track expenditure against approved budgets
• Monitor projects against obligations under Development Agreements, leases, and other relevant agreements
• Assist with obtaining and managing resource consent conditions, variations, and all required authority approvals
• Liaise with internal and external project teams including architects, planners, lawyers, surveyors, contractors, and sales agents
• Attend site meetings and assist in resolving construction and coordination issues
• Lead or support titling processes, settlement coordination, and building opex budgeting
• Take minutes at PCG and other project meetings and follow up on outstanding matters
• Contribute to proposals and reports for new development and investment opportunities

What You Will Bring

• Around 2–4 years’ experience in a project management, development, or in a related delivery professional role.
• A commercially-minded approach – you understand how numbers underpin decisions and are comfortable working with budgets, feasibilities, and financial reporting.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams without dropping the ball.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to liaise confidently with consultants, contractors, lawyers, and senior stakeholders.
• A proactive attitude – you do not wait to be told what to do next, and you are willing to get into the detail.
• Curiosity and a genuine interest in property development.
• Degree in property, project management, construction, planning, finance, or a related discipline.

Why Join Willis Bond

• Work on a diverse and active Wellington project portfolio spanning commercial, residential, civic and mixed-use development
• Learn directly from some of New Zealand’s most experienced development professionals in a supportive, hands-on environment
• A company with a reputation for doing things properly – quality, integrity, and long-term thinking are embedded in the culture
• Real exposure and real responsibility from day one, with genuine scope to grow as the business grows
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience

How To Apply

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please submit your interest via the link above, or for a confidential conversation contact Matt Donnelly at Assemble Recruitment on 022 019 7808.

All applications (including direct) will be reviewed and processed by Assemble Recruitment only.

Matt Donnelly

• 0220197808