Development Manager

Job Description

Development Manager - Chicago, IL

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The Opportunity

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Macdonald & Company is working with an established, privately held real estate development and investment firm to appoint a Development Manager .

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The Development Manager will oversee large-scale multifamily and mixed-use developments throughout the full project lifecycle, from initial feasibility and planning through construction, completion, and stabilization. This individual will lead multidisciplinary consultant teams, coordinate internal and external stakeholders, and ensure projects are delivered in accordance with established financial, scheduling, design, and quality objectives.

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The position offers broad exposure across development execution, including entitlements, permitting, design coordination, budgeting, construction oversight, and project reporting.

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Key Responsibilities:

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• Manage multiple large-scale residential and mixed-use development projects from concept through completion.
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• Establish and maintain project schedules, budgets, forecasts, and development plans.
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• Lead architects, engineers, contractors, and other external consultants.
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• Coordinate building permits, entitlements, zoning approvals, and development agreements.
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• Manage interactions with municipalities and other regulatory authorities throughout the approval process.
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• Conduct feasibility studies, market research, and financial analysis to evaluate project viability.
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• Review and coordinate architectural, engineering, landscape, mechanical, and electrical drawings.
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• Monitor construction progress and ensure work remains aligned with approved plans, specifications, budgets, and schedules.
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• Identify project risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
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• Coordinate with property management, leasing, and marketing teams throughout development and stabilization.
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• Maintain awareness of local land markets, construction pricing, planning requirements, and regulatory conditions.
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• Build productive relationships with government agencies, community organizations, neighboring property owners, and other stakeholders.
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• Prepare and present budgets, development proposals, forecasts, and progress reports to senior leadership.
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Candidate Profile:

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• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
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• 3 or more years of experience in real estate development or project management.
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• Experience supporting or managing large-scale multifamily, residential, or mixed-use developments.
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• Demonstrated exposure to acquisitions, feasibility, entitlements, design, construction, and project delivery.
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• Strong understanding of real estate finance, zoning, entitlements, permitting, and municipal approval processes.
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• Experience managing architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and internal project stakeholders.
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• Ability to interpret and coordinate architectural and engineering drawings.
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• Working knowledge of development budgets, project cash flows, forecasting, and financial analysis.
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• Strong communication, negotiation, organization, and stakeholder management skills.
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• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and competing priorities in a fast-paced development environment.
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• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant project management software.
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• Familiarity with sustainable design and green building certifications is beneficial.
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• Willingness to travel for project meetings and site visits when required.
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