Dandara has appointed James Warner as Technical Director for its South East division, strengthening the region’s strategic delivery as it enters a significant period of growth.
James joined the business in September after nearly two decades working with major PLC developers including Countryside Partnerships, Inland Homes and Barratt London. His experience spans projects of all scales and tenures across the capital and wider South East, with a strong focus on early-stage technical strategy, placemaking and collaborative delivery.
In the new role, James is responsible for ensuring technical matters are fully considered, clearly communicated and aligned with the wider business from the outset. He works closely with the regional leadership team to streamline processes, support consistency and create a smoother pathway from land bid to on-site delivery.
James said joining Dandara felt like the right step at the right time, both professionally and personally. He said he was drawn by the company’s reputation, culture and the opportunity to help shape a region with strong long-term potential.
“I’ve always been motivated by being part of teams that build great places and leave a positive legacy, and the South East has an incredibly exciting pipeline ahead. What struck me straightaway was the clarity of ambition here and the appetite for genuine collaboration.
“My focus is on giving the technical team the tools and confidence to do their best work, removing the avoidable obstacles and creating an environment where people can speak openly, challenge ideas and feel proud of the solutions they deliver.”
A key priority for James is strengthening the region’s early-stage review processes, particularly during land bids, introducing structured gateways to improve clarity and reduce delays. He said his approach is rooted in proactive problem-solving and involving all stakeholders early so projects can move forward. Trained originally as an Architect, he said the ability to shape whole developments rather than single buildings is what first drew him into housebuilding and continues to be the driver behind his career.
David Garrett, Managing Director for Dandara South East, said:
“James brings exactly the blend of leadership, technical rigour and team culture the region needs as it scales. He has fitted into the business incredibly quickly and it’s clear he has a natural instinct for how to get the best out of people. He sees the bigger picture, he listens and understands the importance of getting things right at the start so we can deliver smoothly on site.
“What I value most is his commitment to building a culture where the team feels supported and empowered. We’re entering a period of real opportunity in the South East and James will play a central role in making sure our growth is well-managed, thoughtful and grounded in quality.”
Dandara South East continues to expand its landbank and portfolio of high-quality homes across Kent and East Sussex, supported by investment in its technical, commercial and construction teams to strengthen long-term resilience and performance.
For more information, visit www.dandara.com