Development Project Manager

Role Summary

We are seeking a Senior Development Manager to lead site development efforts for new retail locations, overseeing the full lifecycle from entitlement and permitting through construction readiness. This role plays a critical part in ensuring projects move efficiently through complex regulatory environments while maintaining cost control and design integrity.

In this position, you will drive development strategies, manage civil and geotechnical design through external partners, and provide technical expertise that informs key business decisions. You will be responsible for aligning timelines, mitigating risks, and ensuring each project meets both internal standards and external regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development process for new site construction, including zoning, entitlements, permitting, and approvals
• Develop and manage detailed project timelines, ensuring timely progression from acquisition through construction
• Oversee civil engineering and geotechnical design efforts through external consultants, ensuring quality, compliance, and cost efficiency
• Create and maintain comprehensive project cost estimates, identifying risks and opportunities for value engineering
• Manage and evaluate third-party consultants, including contract negotiation, performance oversight, and ongoing training
• Coordinate across internal teams (real estate, construction, environmental) to ensure alignment on design, costs, and timelines
• Serve as a technical expert in navigating municipal regulations, permitting processes, and site-specific challenges
• Support construction teams by resolving design and development issues while minimizing risk and controlling costs

Key Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in site development, civil engineering, or retail/commercial real estate development
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (PE license preferred)
• Strong experience managing entitlements, permitting, and regulatory approvals across multiple jurisdictions
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project or similar platforms
• Demonstrated experience managing external consultants, including civil, geotechnical, and permitting specialists
• Solid understanding of site design, utility coordination, and municipal code compliance
• Strong financial acumen with experience developing cost estimates and evaluating project risk
• Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills