PURPOSE OF POSITION

• The Finance Director - Project Development is a strategic leadership role responsible for directing comprehensive financial management, capital structure optimisation, and financial strategy development across complex development and investment projects. The role encompasses financial planning and analysis, development finance coordination, investor relations, investment evaluation, and financial reporting across multi-phase, multi-stakeholder property development initiatives. This position provides strategic financial guidance to senior management and external investors, ensuring robust financial governance, optimal capital deployment, and delivery of financial objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Financial Strategy & Capital Structure Optimisation

•       Develop and execute comprehensive financial strategies for development projects, including capital structure optimisation, funding mix analysis, and debt-equity positioning to maximise investor returns whilst managing project risk.

•       Advise senior management and project teams on optimal financial structuring, including development financing options, mezzanine funding arrangements, construction loans, and equity investment vehicles.

•       Coordinate with development finance brokers, institutional lenders, and equity investors to secure financing commitments aligned with project timelines and financial objectives.

•       Establish and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders at major financial institutions, development banks, and institutional investors to facilitate future capital raising and partnership opportunities.

2. Development Finance & Project Valuation

•       Prepare detailed development feasibility analyses, including market valuations, pro forma financial modelling, sensitivity analysis, and investment return projections for new project opportunities.

•       Conduct comprehensive cost-benefit analyses and return-on-investment evaluations for major capital investments, acquisitions, and strategic development decisions.

•       Lead due diligence processes for development acquisitions, including financial, legal, environmental, and technical assessments to inform acquisition and investment decisions.

•       Perform project appraisal, land acquisition analysis, and cost planning to support strategic investment decisions and ensure optimal utilisation of capital.

3. Financial Planning, Budgeting & Cost Control

•       Direct the preparation of annual financial plans, budgets, and cash flow forecasts for all active projects, ensuring alignment with corporate financial objectives and investor expectations.

•       Establish and enforce rigorous cost control procedures and financial management frameworks across project teams to ensure cost targets are met and financial discipline is maintained.

•       Conduct monthly financial reviews, variance analysis, and performance reporting to identify cost overruns, budget deviations, and required corrective actions.

•       Manage contingency reserves, cash flow timing, and financial risk mitigation strategies to protect project margins and investor returns.

4. Investor Relations & Financial Reporting

•       Manage investor relations and communications, preparing quarterly and annual financial reports, performance summaries, and investor updates that demonstrate financial performance and project delivery progress.

•       Present financial results, investment updates, and strategic recommendations to the Board of Directors, investment committees, and external stakeholders.

•       Respond to investor queries, manage investor expectations, and support stakeholder relationship building across the organisation.

•       Coordinate with external auditors to prepare financial statements, annual reports, and statutory disclosures in accordance with NZ accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

5. Financial Systems, Controls & Governance

•       Establish and oversee robust financial systems, internal controls, and governance frameworks to ensure accurate financial reporting and regulatory compliance.

•       Direct the work of finance team members, including project accountants, finance analysts, and administration staff, to ensure efficient financial operations.

•       Ensure compliance with tax legislation, GST requirements, financial disclosure rules, and corporate governance standards.

•       Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance financial processes, reporting efficiency, and data analytics capabilities.

6. Strategic Financial Analysis & Decision Support

•       Provide strategic financial analysis and recommendations to senior management on pricing strategy, investment timing, market opportunity assessment, and competitive positioning.

•       Conduct market analysis to identify emerging opportunities and financial risks, supporting long-term strategic planning and business development initiatives.

•       Contribute to business strategy development, including mergers and acquisitions evaluation, strategic partnerships, and portfolio optimisation.

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

•       Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related discipline;

•       Minimum 5+ years' experience in senior financial management roles

•       Demonstrated expertise in financial modelling, development feasibility analysis, capital structure optimisation, and investment valuation.

•       Advanced proficiency in financial software and systems (e.g., SAP, NetSuite, Xero, or equivalent ERP platforms, AI Tools) and advanced Excel modelling.

•       Strong knowledge of New Zealand tax law, property development financing, and regulatory compliance requirements.

•       Excellent communication skills with proven ability to present complex financial information to senior stakeholders, investors, and non-financial audiences.

•       Strategic mindset with strong commercial acumen, analytical capability, and ability to translate financial insights into actionable business recommendations.

Leadership capability and experience managing finance teams or multiple direct reports