Development Manager

About the Opportunity

A growing and highly active real estate development company in the Portland/Vancouver market is seeking a Development Manager to lead projects from initial site evaluation through permitting and construction readiness.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys transforming raw land and development opportunities into successful projects. The Development Manager will be involved in a diverse portfolio that includes:

• Commercial developments
• Single-family residential communities
• Residential subdivisions
• Mixed-use projects
• Multifamily housing
• Industrial and light industrial developments

You will work directly with company leadership and play a key role in evaluating opportunities, maximizing site potential, coordinating design teams, and navigating projects through the entitlement and permitting process.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Feasibility

• Evaluate potential development opportunities and perform site due diligence.
• Conduct zoning, land use, utility, environmental, and entitlement reviews.
• Analyze density opportunities, site constraints, and development yield.
• Assist ownership with acquisition underwriting and project feasibility.

Planning & Design Coordination

• Manage architects, civil engineers, surveyors, geotechnical consultants, traffic engineers, and other design professionals.
• Coordinate site layouts, lot configurations, building placement, parking plans, and development concepts.
• Review architectural, civil, and engineering drawings for completeness and constructability.
• Work with consultants to maximize project value while maintaining municipal compliance.

Entitlements & Permitting

• Lead projects through entitlement, permitting, and agency approval processes.
• Coordinate directly with city and county planning departments, utility providers, and regulatory agencies.
• Prepare and manage permit submissions and agency responses.
• Track permitting schedules and maintain project momentum through approvals.

Project Management

• Develop and maintain project schedules.
• Manage consultant contracts and budgets.
• Identify project risks early and develop solutions.
• Coordinate with contractors and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless transition from development into construction.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in real estate development, land development, architecture, planning, civil engineering, or construction management.
• Experience supporting commercial, subdivision, and residential development projects.
• Strong understanding of zoning, entitlements, land use, and permitting processes.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, site plans, grading plans, utility plans, and civil drawings.
• Experience coordinating multiple consultants and stakeholders.
• Strong project management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate independently.

Preferred Experience

• Commercial development
• Residential subdivision development
• Single-family residential communities
• Multifamily and mixed-use projects
• Oregon and Washington permitting processes
• AutoCAD, Bluebeam, SketchUp, GIS, or related software

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12 months, the Development Manager will:

• Successfully advance multiple commercial and residential projects through permitting.
• Improve project timelines by proactively managing consultant and agency coordination.
• Identify opportunities to increase project yield and development value.
• Become a trusted resource for ownership on feasibility, entitlement strategy, and project execution.
• Help expand the company's growing pipeline of commercial, subdivision, and residential developments throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Why This Opportunity?

• Direct exposure to ownership and executive leadership.
• Diverse project portfolio across commercial, residential, and subdivision development.
• Opportunity to influence projects from acquisition through construction.
• High-growth organization with long-term advancement opportunities.
• Competitive compensation package with performance-based incentives.

Confidential Search

Company information will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process.

Keywords: Development Manager, Land Development Manager, Real Estate Development, Entitlements, Permitting, Subdivision Development, Single Family Residential, Commercial Development, Site Planning, Feasibility Analysis, Land Use Planning, Development Project Manager, Vancouver WA, Portland Metro.