Job Description

Job Purpose:

The Development Manager will be responsible for managing project developments (potentially multiple projects, depending of scale of projects) within the company from start to finish including commercial management, project management, as well as managing necessary stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and to the approved quality. would also be required to participate, on a need basis, in providing relevant inputs during project identification / evaluation and/ or during evaluation of business development opportunities.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

The Development Manager is responsible for leading and managing real estate development projects, including multiple projects, across the full development lifecycle, from opportunity identification and feasibility through planning, design, construction delivery, commissioning, and handover. The role acts as a key bridge between investors, internal functions, consultants, contractors, partners, and authorities to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the approved quality standards, while meeting commercial and strategic objectives.

1. Development planning, project briefing, and business case development

• Prepare and update development briefs, project scope, objectives, programs, budgets, timelines, and key deliverables.
• Contribute to business plans and strategic project planning.
• Develop project business cases in coordination with Finance, Legal, Strategy, and Commercial teams.
• Support project identification, evaluation, and business development opportunities on a need basis.

2. Market research, feasibility, and development appraisal

• Conduct market research, competitor benchmarking, land-use analysis, and planning/policy reviews to support project decisions.
• Undertake development appraisals and feasibility studies (financial, commercial, technical) in coordination with finance and financial analysis teams.
• Assess project profitability, funding/financing strategies, and costing scenarios across different deal structures (including mixed-use, market-rate, affordable, and commercial components where applicable).
• Track key market and project data (construction costs, transactions, pricing trends, absorption indicators, etc.) influencing investment decisions.

3. Site acquisition support and due diligence

• Support identification of potential new projects and land/site acquisition opportunities, including monitoring relevant market channels and portals.
• Undertake site-level and forensic due diligence to support acquisition and investment decisions.
• Attend site visits and coordinate technical/commercial assessments as required.
• Identify project and partnership opportunities aligned with the company’s strategic priorities.

4. Master planning, design management, and consultant coordination

• Manage predevelopment activities including master planning, area programs, product mix, design development budgets, and development schedules.
• Oversee the appointment and active management of lead design consultants and the wider design/development team.
• Coordinate architectural, landscape, engineering, and technical consultant inputs to ensure design alignment with project brief, budget, quality standards, and commercial objectives.
• Review and manage design progress, design changes, and design compliance through structured coordination and governance.

5. Commercial management, contracts, and stakeholder negotiations

• Support and manage key commercial aspects of development projects, including budgeting, cost planning, procurement coordination, and contractual interfaces.
• Participate in partnership discussions and negotiations, including joint venture and strategic partner coordination where applicable.
• Contribute to leasing strategy, partnership structuring, and negotiation support (where project type requires).
• Coordinate with Legal on construction contracts, development agreements, and other project-related legal matters.

6. Budgeting, financial control, and performance monitoring

• Coordinate project development budgets and monitor forecasts versus actuals, cash flow implications, and working capital requirements.
• Work closely with Finance/Accounts teams to maintain accurate financial records and reporting for each project.
• Ensure each project is tracked against feasibility assumptions, approved budgets, commercial milestones, and client/stakeholder sign-offs.
• Recommend corrective actions where cost overruns, margin erosion, or timing deviations are identified.

7. Project management, logistics, and delivery control

• Monitor day-to-day project coordination including site logistics, project documentation, construction progress, and interface management.
• Track schedules, milestones, and critical risks across design and construction stages.
• Ensure project execution aligns with approved scope, quality standards, specifications, and organizational requirements.
• Coordinate with project teams to optimize delivery strategy and enhance project value through the development cycle.

8. Risk management, compliance, and governance

• Identify, assess, and monitor project risks, delays, and constraints, and support mitigation planning.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and authority requirements, including relevant local, state, and national programs (including affordable housing programs where applicable to the portfolio).
• Maintain robust documentation and governance processes to support auditability, approvals, and decision-making.
• Ensure project knowledge, records, and lessons learned are captured and updated in the company knowledge management database.

9. Partner, authority, and stakeholder management

• Manage relationships with development partners, consultants, contractors, authorities, and internal stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor partner performance and establish metrics/KPIs to evaluate performance and accountability.
• Liaise with architects, technical consultants, local authorities, residents/end users (where relevant), and senior management to facilitate project progress and issue resolution.
• Represent development interests in cross-functional discussions and ensure decisions are translated into actionable plans.

10. Commercial strategy, sales support, and marketing alignment

• Support commercial and sales strategy development, including pricing recommendations, sales phasing, and related commercial planning.
• Provide inputs to marketing strategy and launch readiness in coordination with sales/marketing teams.
• Align development delivery with commercial requirements to support project positioning, product-market fit, and revenue realization.

11. Asset readiness, commissioning, and handover

• Coordinate induction and integration of facility management services prior to commissioning and handover.
• Facilitate alignment between development, project management, asset management, and facility management teams for smooth operational transition.
• Oversee handover readiness, snagging/de-snagging coordination, and close-out with contractors and project teams.
• Ensure client handover is completed efficiently with appropriate quality closure and documentation.

12. Strategic role contribution

• Act as a development lead across the project lifecycle, bridging concept inception, feasibility, development execution, and post-development optimization decisions.
• Support the organization in evaluating the best value realization options post-development (e.g., sale, lease, hold, partnership, phased release).
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, controls, and portfolio delivery practices.

KEY SKILLS:

1. An established record of success as a project leader, having completed at least three substantial development projects, including significant experience with for-sale housing and condos, and demonstrated ability to lead complex public/private development partnerships. Experience with mixed-use, retail and office projects also preferred.
2. Thorough understanding of affordable housing development projects, including overall deal structuring, land planning, the entitlement process, finance, design and construction management.
3. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), and the ability to represent the company to a broad spectrum of audiences and environments.
4. Understanding of community redevelopment.
5. Effective project management skills
6. Excellent budgeting skills and Risk Analysis and Management
7. Excellent data compilation / reporting skills
8. Advanced Project Management, MS Office skills
9. Effective business writing skills
10. High degree of facility with the English language
11. Knowledge of the region, understanding of laws regarding real estate and investment is considered a plus

Experience and Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Urban Planning, Construction Management, or a related field
• Minimum 8-12 years of relevant experience in real estate development, project management and construction management.
• At least 4 years in Development role
• Experience in real estate development for residential, hospitality, support retail & leisure properties – in both sales and leasing
• Strong understanding of managing business plans, company development, financial awareness/ control and delivery of projects.
• Proficiency in English is a must

Industry Knowledge:

• Development Lifecycle: Working knowledge of land acquisition process, feasibility support, planning, design coordination, construction follow-up, sales, and client handover.
• Design & Construction: Knowledge of master planning basics, construction standards, quality requirements, and health & safety practices.
• Sales & Customer Experience: Understanding of off-plan sales processes, escrow requirements, and the client handover journey.

Technology & Tools: Proficient in using project management software, CRM, and basic PropTech applications (e.g., BIM exposure, digital reporting tools).

Systems/Tools:

• Expert in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit)
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop
• Extensive knowledge in MS Office (Word, Excel, & PowerPoint) is a must

Certifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (preferred)
• Real Estate Certification program