Project Manager - Retail/Commercial Development

Quest Group Is actively recruiting for an experienced Project Manager to lead the planning and execution of retail and commercial development projects, with a strong emphasis on pre-construction and entire development process. This role is critical in shaping projects from early feasibility through design, budgeting, and permitting, ensuring successful delivery aligned with the company’s investment and development objectives.

The ideal candidate brings a proactive mindset, deep understanding of development processes, and the ability to coordinate across internal teams, consultants, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Construction Leadership

• Lead pre-development and pre-construction activities from site acquisition through construction start.
• Manage due diligence, including zoning, entitlements, environmental studies, and site constraints.
• Oversee design development in collaboration with architects, engineers, and consultants.
• Establish and manage project budgets, schedules, and pro formas during early phases.
• Coordinate value engineering efforts to optimize cost, quality, and constructability.
• Identify risks early and implement mitigation strategies.

Design & Consultant Management

• Select, onboard, and manage architects, engineers, and specialty consultants.
• Ensure design aligns with project vision, tenant requirements, and financial goals.
• Review drawings and specifications for completeness, coordination, and cost efficiency.
• Drive timely delivery of design milestones.

Permitting & Entitlements

• Manage entitlement and permitting processes with local municipalities and agencies.
• Track approvals and proactively resolve issues that could impact schedule.

Procurement & Contractor Coordination

• Lead contractor selection process, including bid packaging, leveling, and negotiations.
• Collaborate with general contractors during pre-construction for budgeting and scheduling input.
• Review GMPs and ensure alignment with project scope and financial targets.

Construction Oversight (as needed)

• Provide continuity into construction phase, ensuring alignment with pre-construction plans.
• Monitor progress, budget adherence, and schedule performance.
• Support issue resolution and change management.

Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal leadership on project status.
• Prepare and present updates on budget, schedule, risks, and key milestones.
• Coordinate with leasing, asset management, and finance teams to align development goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Real Estate, Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in commercial or retail development, with significant pre-construction exposure.
• Experience working for a real estate developer, owner’s representative, or general contractor.
• Strong understanding of development processes, construction methods, and cost structures.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with retail tenant coordination and build-outs is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong financial acumen (budgeting, pro formas, cost control)
• Excellent project planning and organizational skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and external partners
• Effective negotiation and problem-solving abilities
• Clear and professional communication (written and verbal)
• Detail-oriented with a strategic mindset